President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, informing about the European Council's decision to open negotiations on EU membership and work on programs for financial support of our country.

"I wish good health, dear Ukrainians!

We are concluding this very productive week—an historic one.

We have the decision of the European Council, for which we worked all year—the decision to open negotiations on membership. In the coming days, we will officially launch with the European Commission the process of assessing Ukrainian legislation in accordance with EU law—the screening process. We are also preparing for work on a negotiation framework for Ukraine—expecting it in spring. The negotiation process will be challenging, but the main thing is that historically we have made our decision: Ukraine will always be part of our shared European home. And I thank everyone who helps bring about necessary EU decisions—everyone who has joined in: politicians, civic leaders, and people from various countries who equally believe in us, in Ukraine, and in Europe.

We continue to work actively towards ensuring that next year will be with sufficient financial support programs for Ukraine. This concerns both bilateral programs with partner states and EU-level programs, as well as the process of utilizing and confiscating Russian assets frozen in various jurisdictions. And this issue—the matter of frozen assets—was one of those very important decisions discussed at meetings during the week. Specifically, in the United States of America. The G7 countries can demonstrate their leadership—assets of a state-sponsor of terrorism and individuals associated with it should be directed towards supporting Ukraine for the protection of life and people from Russian terror. This would be just. And we are already preparing necessary contours of decisions.

Absolutely positive, meaningful relations of our country with Nordic countries—the visit to Norway and the summit of Ukraine plus Northern Europe proved this again. I thank for the unchanging desire to bring about victory for Ukraine, our people, our values. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland—each country helps, each stands by us absolutely sincerely. Thank you!

And separately, I want to thank all leaders who this week filled with support for our Armed Forces, our soldiers, and our defense prospects.

The week turned the attention towards Ukraine in Latin American countries as well. A very warm, positive visit to Argentina last Sunday. Meetings with the new President of Argentina—we wish him and his country, and all Argentinians success. Meetings with leaders of other region's countries—Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador... This is one of Ukraine’s key tasks, a strategic task—to take our foreign policy beyond traditional directions. Our state, our interests, Ukrainian culture, and our defense of international law must be represented and understood—in all parts of the world, and this is a task for each person working in the name of Ukraine and Ukrainians.

And one more thing.

I want to highlight today especially our National Guard soldiers who together with everyone—on the battlefield, together with everyone—are helping save lives after Russian strikes, together with everyone—are giving Ukraine more security. The 3rd Operational Brigade of the National Guard—soldier Maxim Osipov and junior sergeant Vladyslav Moroz. Thank you, boys, for your effectiveness! The 14th Operational Brigade—junior sergeant Serhiy Tykhnenko and captain Hryhoriy Tokaryk. Thank you! The 15th Svyatogor Regiment of the National Guard—second lieutenant Oleksandr Rogovskyy and lieutenant Bohdan Shulika. Well done, soldiers! The world helps when it sees that the state and people are doing everything to defend themselves, when it sees that a country truly has prospects for defending itself. And I thank everyone in Ukraine, all our people who week after week prove to the world with their strength—Ukraine will stand, preserve its independence, and win. And special gratitude—the SBU, Air Forces, and foreign intelligence service. That case where without details but one word was powerful. Thank you!

Glory to our people! Glory to Ukraine!