President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about a difficult meeting of the General Staff regarding the situation at the front and issues of mobilization and demobilization, rotations in the armed forces.

"I wish health to dear Ukrainians!

Just concluded talks with the President of Latvia. A substantive conversation. We discussed defensive support for our country and its soldiers. The consistency of such support was also a topic. In particular, we talked about the production and supply of ammunition - artillery caliber 155 - as well as issues related to "medevacs" - special armored vehicles for evacuating our wounded soldiers. I am grateful to Latvia for its unwavering support for our European prospects - all work towards starting negotiations on Ukraine's EU accession. Today, I informed Mr. President about the implementation of recommendations by the European Commission and our readiness for a political decision in December, which was promised by the European side and opens up the negotiation process. We are waiting for this decision and for the European Union to fulfill its promise. In detail discussed with Mr. President the mechanics of preparing the relevant EU decision.

Spoke today also with Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands. Thanked him for support provided to Ukraine, for the recent decision on an additional 2 billion euros for next year. This is a significant signal for other partners as well. The defense of our European way of life must continue, and unity in Europe - this is a key element. Also discussed with Mark our joint work regarding the Peace Formula, such important humanitarian initiatives as our "Grain from Ukraine" program. We are working together to maintain stability in critical regions around the world, thus protecting our continent from crisis waves.

Conducted today an important and quite difficult meeting of the General Staff. Not only about the current situation at the front, although this was always one of the main points. Our defensive actions, our offensive operations. Avdiivka, Donetsk direction, Mariinka, Kupyansk direction, southern directions. A significant part of today's meeting was devoted to a complex set of issues for which our soldiers and all society are waiting for fair answers. This concerns mobilization and demobilization, rotations in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Issues regarding conscripts who were called up for service before the start of full-scale invasion. Of course, special attention was paid to the situation with the work of VLS [Voluntary Defense Units] and "military commissariats". What soldiers talk about, what commanders talk about, must be resolved. Today there were initial reports from Chief of General Staff Zaluzhnyi, Minister of Defense Umeyev, Minister of Internal Affairs Klimenko, Minister of Health Leshchenko, Chief of the General Staff Shapta. I expect more substantive analysis of each such issue by both the government and military personnel. And concrete proposals for state decisions.

I thank everyone who cares about Ukraine and Ukrainians! I thank every man and woman fighting for the country and working in the interests of Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!"