President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the preparation of defense and security forces for next year and the necessity to preserve the strength of our systems — banking and financial.

"I wish health, dear Ukrainians!

Today I chaired a meeting — already the 44th this year. The topic is clear. First and foremost, it's about Bakhmut, Kremenchak, and Donbas in general. Possible actions of the enemy on the eastern front and our actions.

We heard from commanders, determined steps for the near future. We continue to prepare the defense and security forces of Ukraine for next year. This must be a decisive year. We understand what risks there are in winter, we understand what needs to be done in spring, and therefore, we understand what results the entire sector of defense and security should demonstrate.

We separately discussed ammunition supply and repair of combat equipment.

By the way, I want to thank our experts, all our partners, everyone involved in relevant work. We managed to establish a system not only to return repaired equipment to the battlefield but also to take captured enemy equipment off the battlefield and put it into service for our country.

This is an important result of the year, and everyone who contributed — truly deserve praise.

Today I spoke with the Prime Minister of Italy. Thanked her for both the already provided and new support.

Ms Meloni informed that issues regarding PESCO are currently under consideration, and we coordinated our steps. I believe that Italian support will allow us to strengthen the defense of Ukrainian skies.

Of course, we also discussed our diplomatic plans for the coming months. As well as winter threats, which I am confident we will overcome together.

Today I chaired a meeting on banking system work and our cooperation with the IMF. We need to ensure even more opportunities for Ukrainians next year and guarantee the strength of our systems — banking and financial.

Also spoke with the head of the world's largest investment fund BlackRock. Received another confirmation that the business community in developed countries believes in our victory and is ready to invest in our reconstruction. Experts from this company are already helping Ukraine structure its Reconstruction Fund. And we are preparing for participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos as well. The position and prospects of Ukraine will be presented there.

Overall, this week will be important politically for Ukraine. We are entering next year and need to maintain a common understanding of our national goals. Of course, it's liberating our land from the enemy, as well as restoring Ukraine, bringing our people home, furthering the integration of our country with key partners, opening new opportunities for Ukraine in the world — this is all the task at hand for the near future. And not just for the state but also for each and every one of us. Soon I will present my view on the implementation of these tasks in my annual Address to the Verkhovna Rada on the external and internal situation in Ukraine.

I want this Address to be not a report, but our conversation with you about next year.

Thank you to everyone who works for Ukraine!

Thank you to everyone fighting for our independence!

Thank you to all units of our defense forces that are bringing the enemy closer to defeat!

Glory to Ukraine!"