President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the need to demonstrate that democracies are capable of protecting life from any form of terror and about talks with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

"Dear Ukrainians,

I just spoke with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Of course, I informed him about the consequences of today's attack by Russian terrorists. Since the beginning of this day, there were almost a hundred rockets of various types, and their trajectories were calculated by the enemy to cause maximum damage. This is absolutely conscious terror. And just in these last few days—from December 29 until today—Russia has already used nearly 300 rockets and over 200 "drones" against Ukraine. No other country has withstood such combined attacks: both drones and missiles, including aeroballistic ones. Ten "Kinzhal" missiles were shot down just today.

I thank every fighter of our Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, all mobile artillery group fighters, every one of our air defense personnel, and everyone around the world who is already helping Ukraine with weapons to protect its skies. More air defense systems, more missiles for air defense—this directly saves lives.

And it is precisely here in Ukraine, through our protection of the sky, that we must demonstrate that democracies are capable of protecting life from any form of terror. If this is not done now in Ukraine, then unfortunately Russian terror will continue to spread across Europe and the world. The sense of impunity among Russia's leadership, which has formed over decades of their unchecked rule, has already led to many sufferings and deaths. Russia must remember what responsibility for destroying life means and what protecting life means.

Thank you to Britain for its readiness to add strength to our air defense. Beyond military cooperation, beyond our joint efforts in the face of terror, we discussed with Prime Minister Sunak work on security guarantees for Ukraine and the implementation of the Peace Formula.

Just as our weaponry must be long-range enough, so too must our diplomacy, our protection of international law and justice be effective enough. This means engaging as broad a range of international actors in joint work—working to bring more countries into the Peace Formula. And also working on security guarantees for Ukraine that are maximally effective. When we end this war, stability and security must become non-negotiable.

Rescue operations following today's strikes continue. Rescue teams will work around the clock. All those injured—130 people—are receiving and will receive necessary assistance: Kharkiv and region, Kyiv and region, Zaporizhzhia, all cities and districts affected.

As of now, five deaths are known from this massive strike. My condolences to everyone who has lost loved ones. Eternal memory to all victims of Russian terror.

And our utmost gratitude—the gratitude of Ukraine—to all those fighting and working to drive the enemy out of our land and to compel Russia to end this war. By the way, I signed a new decree today awarding state honors to our soldiers. 115 soldiers of the Armed Forces. The 32nd, 54th, 93rd, 110th separate mechanized brigades, the 17th separate tank brigade, the 92nd separate assault brigade, and the 39th and 299th tactical aviation brigades. Thank you! Thank you to everyone who is the strength of Ukraine!

And please, especially during these days, pay attention to air raid sirens. These inhumane ones want to cause pain to Ukraine. It's important to protect life.

Glory to Ukraine!"