President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the need to ensure the spiritual independence of Ukrainians and about the connections between certain religious circles in Ukraine and the state-aggressor.

"Free people of an unbreakable country!

Every December 1st, we commemorate an event that has shaped history. An event that said a lot about all of us, about Ukrainians. About who we are and who we will never be.

31 years ago on December 1st, a referendum took place that united the entire territory of our state. Not one of our people remained outside the nationwide decision. Kyiv and Sevastopol, Odesa and Crimea, Lviv and Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Dnipro, Donetsk and Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia and Luhansk, Khmelnytskyi and Kirovohrad, Volyn and Poltava, Sumy and Zakarpattya, Ivano-Frankivsk and Ternopil, Zhovtynskyi and Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia, Kyiv region, Rivne, Cherkasy... All supported.

People confirmed the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine — freely and legally. This was a real referendum, not some imitation. It was an honest referendum, and that's why it was recognized by the world.

And it was important that not just politicians but people put an end to the history of an empire built on denying people’s will. An empire that killed in order to eternalize the denial of people’s will, but which people still managed to topple with their own will.

Since that day in 1991, Ukrainians have faced many attempts to turn a period into three dots or into a period with a comma. We saw many actors who could not come to terms with the fact that the empire was indeed toppled.

We still defend Ukraine from such "comrades" who wanted this year to celebrate the centennial of the empire instead of another anniversary of freedom. They wanted...

But it will be according to Ukrainian rules.

Our desire to live freely, expressed on August 24th and confirmed on December 1st, cannot be broken. Ukrainians will never again be stones in some empire's foundation. We have already fought this and will ensure full independence for our state.

We will ensure, among other things, spiritual independence. We will not allow anyone to build an empire within the Ukrainian soul.

Today a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council took place. A meeting at which we reviewed numerous facts about connections between certain religious circles in Ukraine and the state-aggressor.

Unfortunately, even Russian terror and full-scale war have not convinced some actors that it is necessary to overcome the temptation of evil. Well, we must create conditions where any actors dependent on the state-aggressor will have no opportunity to manipulate Ukrainians and weaken Ukraine from within.

Therefore, first. The National Security and Defense Council has tasked the government with submitting a bill to the Verkhovna Rada to prohibit the activities of religious organizations affiliated with centers of influence in the Russian Federation.

Second. The State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience — ensure the conduct of religious expertise on the Statute governing the management of the UOC to identify any canonical ties with the Moscow Patriarchate and take necessary legal measures as provided by law.

Third. Ensure a review of the legal basis and compliance with conditions for the use of property by religious organizations located within the territory of the National Kyiv-Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve.

Fourth. All agencies responsible for national security issues — intensify efforts to detect and counter subversive activities of Russian special services in Ukraine's religious environment. And apply personal sanctions — names will be published shortly.

Fifth. We demand an increase in the status and strengthening of capabilities of the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience. A reform of this structure will take place, giving it the ability to truly protect the rights and legitimate interests of Ukrainians and the state.

With these and other decisions, we guarantee Ukraine spiritual independence.

I want to emphasize: in 1991 our country took a legal and democratic path. This is the path we will continue to follow. Only lawful steps. Balanced decisions. And national interests.

Today, we continued working on implementing Ukraine's peace formula that I presented at the G19 summit, particularly its point regarding food security. I spoke about this with the President of Senegal and the Chairperson of the African Union.

About our initiative Grain From Ukraine — "Grain from Ukraine". This is an initiative that truly brings stability and predictability to the world. And also how we can involve African countries in restoring international law and ensuring full global security.

And one more thing. Today, we managed to bring home 50 Ukrainians from Russian captivity. Four officers, 46 sergeants and privates. The Army, territorial defense, National Guard, Navy, and border guards. I thank everyone on our team who works for the release of Ukrainians. Budanov, Yermak, Ussov, Maliuk, Lubinec. Just great work. Thank you to every single person helping!

Overall, since February 24th, we have already brought home over 1300 Ukrainians from Russian captivity. We will bring back everyone else! All of Ukraine will be free. All Ukrainians will be home.

Glory to all who fight for our country!

Glory to all who work to defend Ukraine!

Eternal glory to all who gave their lives for independence!

Glory to Ukraine!"