President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, informing about a principled decision by the Security and Defense Council regarding officials traveling abroad and about efforts to strengthen our spiritual independence.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians!

Briefly reporting on today's events.

First – military matters. Today there were several detailed conversations with our commanders regarding the situation on operational fronts.

Sometimes it seems that some in rear cities have completely forgotten about the war and started ignoring reality, taking advantage of the protection provided by our heroes.

To ignore the war – this is a luxury no one can afford.

Fierce battles are ongoing on main operational fronts, particularly in Donbas.

Enemy shelling and assaults – around the clock. But the battle for Donbas continues. The battle for the south continues. We see what forces Russia is accumulating and know how to respond.

There will be a response from the enemy, undoubtedly, to the latest terrorist attacks on our border territories – Sumy region, Kharkiv region.

Ukraine will not show weakness. The state will not show weakness.

Signed several important decrees today. There is a principled decision by the Security and Defense Council regarding officials traveling abroad. This applies to all personnel of central government, various other levels of local authorities. It concerns law enforcement officers, elected representatives, prosecutors, and everyone who works for the state within the country. If they want to rest now – they will rest outside their official duties. Officials will no longer be able to travel abroad on vacation or with any other non-official purpose.

Within five days, the Cabinet of Ministers must develop a procedure for crossing borders by officials based solely on real official assignments.

Another today's decision by the Security and Defense Council concerns our spiritual independence, which we are strengthening and will continue to strengthen. Sanctions have been imposed against 22 individuals – Russian citizens who, under the guise of spirituality, support terrorism and genocidal policies.

There are also personnel decisions already made today and some that will be made tomorrow concerning managers at various levels in ministries and other central government structures, as well as in regions and law enforcement system.

Conducted several meetings regarding our international activity. Regarding the conclusions of 'Ramstein' and what Ukraine managed to achieve there. The second meeting – about a new stage of our diplomatic marathon that was launched after my visit to Washington. Over 30 talks at various levels with leaders of partner countries – these are those we can openly talk about.

This marathon has given us very necessary results, real strengthening of defense. Now we are working on filling February with even more substantive contacts with leaders.

Today I addressed the participants of the winter meeting of American business leaders who belong to the National Association of State Chambers of Commerce. This is over 100,000 businesses that provide employment for nearly half of America's workforce.

It is important that Americans at all levels know and feel how crucial and historically necessary our cooperation – between Ukraine and the USA – is.

And one more thing.

Tomorrow exactly 11 months of full-scale war will have passed. This will be day number 335. A day that we will go through just like day 334, uniting all our forces for one – for victory. For Ukraine's victory.

Not against someone among ourselves. But for the whole of Ukraine. For the victory of our entire state in a war for freedom and independence for all Ukrainians.

This will happen. And all steps necessary for this will be taken.

I thank all our soldiers on the front lines! Separately today I would like to congratulate our air force anti-aircraft fighters – you gave us a good day. Shot down Russian planes, drones, missiles.

Also separately thanking the fighters of the 35th Separate Marine Brigade and the 79th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade for their bravery and results needed by Ukraine on the Donetsk front. Thank you, boys!

Thanking everyone who steadfastly defends our state's positions!

Glory to Ukraine!"