President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, informing about a new package of American defense support for our country and other aspects of our defensive cooperation.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians!

Finally, we can say that we have managed to raise the strength of Ukraine and our defense cooperation with partners to a new level. The one that is truly necessary for us right now.

Now our soldiers will have even more weapons, equipment, ammunition, defensive systems that will make us much better prepared for any escalation plans Russia might undertake and the strikes it delivers without distinguishing between holidays or weekdays.

I thank everyone who helps us defend our country and Ukrainians!

Since my visit to the United States two weeks ago, there have already been over 20 stages in our diplomatic marathon.

This includes my talks with leaders of Germany, Sweden, Japan, Croatia, Spain, Latvia, Turkey, France, Denmark, Romania, Canada, Norway, Britain, Netherlands, Israel, Greece and India. Plus my first meetings this year with the President of the European Commission. Plus constant contacts with US representatives. For example, today in Kyiv there was a delegation from the Senate, as well as talks between Ukraine's and the USA’s defense ministers.

And today another, very powerful package of American defense support for our country has been announced.

For the first time we will receive Bradley armored vehicles – exactly what is needed. New artillery pieces and ammunition, including high-precision ones. New rockets. New drones. This is timely and strong. The total amount of this package of support from the US is almost 3 billion dollars.

I thank President Biden, I thank Congressmen and all Americans who value freedom and know that it must be defended, and who heard Ukraine during my visit to Washington. We see absolutely concrete results of this visit and our talks.

We now have a significant step forward by Germany in strengthening not only the security of Ukraine but also of all Europe, especially the entire region bordering Russia. Strengthening our anti-aircraft defense is direct work towards de-escalation here and now. The less opportunities Russia has to terrorize peaceful cities, the lower its overall potential for aggression.

I thank Chancellor Scholz for deciding to provide Ukraine with Patriot systems! Together with brilliant German IRIS-T Patriots, they will make Ukrainian and European skies noticeably safer.

Today we also discussed other aspects of our defense cooperation, including 40 Marder vehicles, and other things needed to stop Russian aggression.

A very important conversation took place today with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida.

Japan has become the leader among Asian countries in defending freedom and international law based on last year's results. I am confident that this year, especially considering Japan’s presidency in the G7 which began in January, we will be able to do even more for our common security. In fact, today we agreed on priorities for cooperation this year.

And I thank Prime Minister for a very serious package of energy assistance – powerful generators for our country and people.

Today's conversation with the Swedish Prime Minister can be called strategic. Sweden’s presidency in the EU has just begun, and we expect to start negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the European Union during its presidency. This is an important motivational element for Ukraine and all Europeans. Despite any attempts by Russia to destabilize Europe, together we are becoming stronger in every aspect, including institutional.

So right now, for Ukraine there is more anti-aircraft defense, more armored equipment, for the first time – Western tanks, more artillery pieces and ammunition, more energy and political opportunities. And all this means more protection for Ukrainians and all Europeans from any manifestations of Russian terror.

Russian fascism must lose in this war — everywhere and in everything. On land, in the air, at sea, in energy, in economy, in politics, and finally – on the bench of defendants at an international tribunal for this aggression against Ukraine. Every day we together with our partners are bringing this verdict closer to the terrorists. Every day peace is getting closer.

Next week I will continue our diplomatic marathon. Let's make Ukraine even stronger!

I thank everyone who defends our country! Thank you all who hold Bakhmut and Donetsk! All those advancing on Luhansk! Those defending the south! Everyone protecting our skies!

Dear Ukrainians!

Please remember what evil is fighting against us. Pay attention to air raid alerts – especially during these holiday days. Our anti-aircraft fighters will do everything possible. But please help them by taking care of your own safety.

Glory to Ukraine!"