President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the preparation this winter for a special summit for peace and about new results in restoring light and warmth to our people.

"I wish you good health, dear Ukrainians!

Today I chaired the High Command. We thoroughly examined the situation in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The Bakhmut direction is key.

We are holding the city, although occupiers do everything to leave no intact wall there.

Zaporizhzhia region, Kherson region, south in general — we are gradually reducing the potential of the occupier. Minus units, minus logistics of the Russian army.

Counter-battery fire (CBU) remains a priority for the High Command, and I emphasize this once again.

Dear partners! By helping us fully protect our sky, by providing us with faster modern CBU systems in sufficient quantities, you can deprive the state-terrorist of its main instrument of terror. This will be one of the most powerful steps that will bring an end to aggression. Russia will have to take the path towards ending aggression when it can no longer go down the path of missile strikes.

We also thoroughly discussed the border at today's High Command meeting. Border protection from both Russia and Belarus — this is also a constant priority. We are preparing for all possible defensive scenarios. Whoever inclines to Minsk, it will not help them as much as any other sick ideas in this war against Ukraine and Ukrainians.

There are new results in restoring light and warmth to our people.

Another 3 million Ukrainians have had their energy supply restored. Plus, 6 million yesterday. So after the terrorist attack on Friday, there is a result for 9 million of our people. In most cities, transport operations are normalizing.

I thank everyone who carries out these repair works in any weather and around the clock! I thank each of our partners who helps us with equipment! I also thank Ukrainian business — all those who turn their shops, cafes, businesses into new 'Unbreakable Points'.

Today in Qatar, the final match of the World Cup took place — an emotional final.

This is exactly what football means: everyone has a chance to win, everyone can show that they are the strongest. But competition — on the field, not on the battlefield. And the worst thing that can happen — it's a red card, not a red button. When people unite through football, people unite in peace. That is why for today I prepared a special appeal from Ukraine to the whole world. To all who value peace and life.

While FIFA blocked this appeal from being shown at the stadium before the final match in Qatar, the world still heard our call.

Our football players spread the video. Yarmolenko and the entire national team, Shevchenko, Shovkovsky. Modric, Sernna, Guardiola, Ratc and many other wonderful players. I thank everyone! Partner countries supported. Thousands of world media shared.

We are already preparing this winter for a special summit. A summit for peace. For our country and any other nation that may suffer such aggression, such terror as Russia brought to our land.

The Ukrainian peace formula — it's ten clear points capable of creating a new security architecture — globally important. That which will return freedom to all our Ukrainian land and people. And that which will serve guarantees of freedom and security for other nations. Not if, but when it works for Ukrainians.

And so we invite partners to demonstrate leadership in ensuring peace just as different countries and state actors now demonstrate leadership in protecting freedom. We fight together for Ukraine, for the values that unite Europe and the democratic world, for global value of life. For everything that Russia is trying to destroy.

This is not easy, this is difficult, but I am confident: we will all pull through together, and Russian aggression will suffer a defeat. And so that no other potential aggressors in the world dare repeat what Russia does.

Glory to every one of our soldiers! Thank you everyone who works for victory and helps! We will get through everything, we will overcome everything.

And one more thing.

I congratulate the Jewish community of Ukraine and all Jews around the world on Hanukkah. The few triumphed over the many. Light triumphed over darkness. So it will be this time too. Hag Sameach!

Glory to Ukraine!"

Andriy Pavelko: "Volodymyr Zelensky's peace appeal to the football community should be seen and heard around the world"