President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the necessity to counter Russia's attempts to seize the initiative on the front and about preparing significant new steps towards deregulating our economy.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians!

Today we had a day that can be called preparatory.

Preparatory for international events that will take place tomorrow and the day after. On these days, Ukraine's position must be heard. So we are preparing our position so that it is guaranteed to sound out loud.

Today was also preparatory in terms of a longer-term perspective. Defense issues, economic issues—both with an eye on spring this year.

We need to make the spring such that Ukraine's movement towards victory is truly felt. This concerns preparing our defense forces, supplying weapons for our country and our strategic initiative in the war.

Any attempts by Russia to seize the initiative we must break. And I am confident that we will do it.

The enemy is already losing so many of its people, so much of its strength, that soon it will be hard to find, for example, sailors throughout all of Russia.

And our task—make it such that there are fewer and fewer who want to hold Ukrainian territories in occupation.

Liberating our land—is the goal we work towards every day.

I chaired an economic meeting today as well—as part of preparing for spring. Many issues. All relate to Ukraine's economic recovery, creating economic opportunities for our people and industries.

The agricultural sector—is a very urgent humanitarian land demining issue. A cross-departmental working group has been formed at the level of the Cabinet of Ministers to ensure activation of this activity—cleansing the ground of unexploded mines and shells.

The government is preparing significant steps towards deregulating Ukraine's economy. Business will receive simplifications in dozens of areas—this concerns canceling various bureaucratic permits and licenses.

Steps are also being prepared for the creation and preparation of job positions. Every job position now in our country—is a help to our resilience. And this is the path for returning our people to Ukraine. The relevant details will be presented at the government level.

Of course, today there was very meaningful talk about the Euro-integration direction as well. We are doing everything to prepare for negotiations on EU membership.

Specifically, we talked about this during the visit of Sweden's Prime Minister.

Sweden is currently leading in the European Union, and we have both the necessary leadership and the necessary will to already have talks on membership this year. Ukraine feels support from partners for this, and I thank them for it.

We also spoke today very specifically with Mr. Sweden's Prime Minister about further defense assistance, about weapons for us, for Ukraine. Our defenders are eagerly awaiting Swedish "Archers"—one of the strongest artillery systems. And "Archers" will definitely help our soldiers.

I spoke today with President of Azerbaijan. I thanked him for his sincere desire for peace in Ukraine, for humanitarian support to our country and for a wise view on protecting international law. We agreed to cooperate in global institutions.

And, as has already become tradition... I want to thank our soldiers. Each one who with their resilience and bravery on the front line allows us to prepare our next defensive steps.

54th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Hetman Ivan Mazepa, 10th Separate Assault Brigade "Edelweiss"—thank you boys for your effective defense of Donetsk!

25th Separate Airborne Sicheslav Brigade, 81st Separate Airmobile Brigade and 95th Air Assault Brigade—thank you boys for defending Luhansk!

Every day of your defense now gives us the ability to prepare our future liberation of our cities and communities.

No chance can be left to any occupier. And we will not leave it.

I thank everyone who helps our country!

Glory to every one of you in battle!

Glory to Ukraine!"