Fellow Ukrainians!
Briefly about today. The most important thing is that there was a prisoner exchange, and 157 of our people have returned home from Russian captivity. For a long time, it was not possible to unblock exchanges; now the process is set in motion, and it is crucial that it continues. On Ukraine’s part, we are doing everything to ensure the exchanges, and I thank our partners who are helping and providing the necessary mediation. I would also like to thank our warriors – each of our units that replenishes Ukraine's exchange fund allows the state to carry out this exchange work. Among those who returned today are men who had been in captivity for nearly four years. An extraordinarily long and difficult time, given all the Russian brutality. I am happy for the families, relatives, and brothers-in-arms who waited for their loved ones to return. We will continue working to bring everyone back – each and every one – military personnel and civilians, adults and children. We remember everyone and are verifying information on each person, name by name.
Today, I received a report from our negotiating team following two days of meetings and talks in the Emirates – with the American side and with the Russian side. I am expecting the team in Kyiv for a full in-person report, as many aspects cannot be properly discussed over the phone. What can already be said is that further meetings are planned in the near future, likely in the United States. We are ready for all workable formats that can genuinely bring peace closer and make it reliable, lasting, and such that deprives Russia of any appetite to continue the war. It is crucial that this war ends in a way that leaves Russia with no reward for its aggression. This is one of the key principles that restore and guarantee real security. I thank all our partners who support us in this.
Today, Prime Minister of Poland Tusk was on a visit to Ukraine, and I am grateful to Poland for all the support it has provided to Ukraine – our people and our independence. We appreciate this. Recently, we also had a good meeting with the President of Poland during events in Lithuania. I thank every Pole for the fact that Poland is among those in Europe who care about security. Today, we spoke at length about energy issues and defense cooperation. There is an agreement on the joint production of drones and other weapons – we will do this together.
I also spoke today with the Prime Minister of Sweden. I am grateful for the new energy support package for Ukraine worth $100 million. Thank you, Ulf! This will truly help. We also discussed our joint diplomatic efforts – what we can implement together with Sweden and together with all the Nordic states. Thank you, partners!
And one more point.
Major General Khmara delivered a report today on operations carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine. There are solid results, and I approved new tasks for the Service – new combat operations. We will continue to weaken the enemy.
I also want to commend our military – they know exactly who I mean – for their ability to reach even such targets as an “Oreshnik” launch site. Our “Flamingos” did their job. There are tangible results as well from units on the frontline. Despite extremely unfavorable weather, severe cold, and many other challenges, in January they managed to maintain the level of losses inflicted on the occupier. December recorded 35,000 killed and severely wounded occupiers; January – 30,000. We are holding Ukrainian positions. Thank you to everyone who is fighting for Ukrainians, and to everyone who is working for our state and our people.
Glory to Ukraine!