I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!
Today, an important meeting was held with our government officials, energy specialists, and military personnel – everyone responsible for protecting and upgrading our infrastructure, Ukraine’s energy sector. Detailed plans for the regions have already been prepared, covering the restoration of energy facilities and the upgrading of their protection, taking into account everything Russia has been doing over this winter and what it could attempt next. I instructed that certain points be refined and that these plans be prepared for the level of the National Security and Defense Council to be approved precisely at the national level, specifying exactly what needs to be done, what must be ensured, and who will be responsible. I count on the full engagement of regional and local authorities – those who can genuinely get things done. The successful practices already established in some regions and communities must be shared with other areas, those that have faced more problems and unresolved issues this winter. It is the local authorities who can make the greatest contribution to the resilience of communities, knowing which facilities require priority modernization and protection. The Government and all institutions of our state – everyone will help.
There are also many military aspects – tasks that must be implemented by the army and the Ministry of Defense. The formats tested recently have proven effective. When practically every strike and every impact was carefully analyzed, clear conclusions were drawn about what must change. I am grateful to everyone working exactly this way – adapting themselves and transforming defense approaches to truly respond to every threat of this kind and protect Ukraine effectively.
Today, I also discussed with Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko the substantial social steps prepared by the Government. Ukraine will carry out the annual pension indexation, benefiting more than ten million of our citizens. Pensioners will see increases of over twelve percent. The funds for this are allocated; the indexation must take place immediately, in March. Despite all the challenges of full-scale war, we conduct this indexation every year. Since the first year of the invasion, no matter how difficult it may be, Ukraine has ensured pension indexation, all necessary social payments, and the stable operation of the state’s social and financial systems. In the context of a full-scale war, this is a very significant result. I am grateful to everyone helping Ukraine make it possible.
Of course, I am also grateful to every Ukrainian entrepreneur, all our companies, and the entire Ukrainian business sector operating in Ukraine, paying taxes in Ukraine, maintaining and creating jobs, and allowing the Ukrainian budget to function. Despite everything – the war, Russian strikes, and all these outages – Ukrainians cover at least half of state and community spending. It is extremely important that we have internal foundations of resilience, as well as our work with partners, which has provided Ukraine with unprecedented external funding throughout these years of war.
I spoke with our diplomatic team. We continue to engage with people who have demonstrated strong experience in defending Ukraine’s interests. In particular, I met with Pavlo Klimkin. We are preparing to strengthen several areas of our diplomatic work in Europe and beyond. Ukraine’s interests must be represented both at the official level and in engagement with communities in those countries that are not yet free or remain under Russian influence.
There will be personnel changes within the diplomatic corps. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also preparing candidates for the position of Special Representative on Belarus and the Belarusian community in Europe. A more active policy is needed. And it is precisely the proactive efforts of our state and the proactive efforts of our people that deliver the best outcomes for Ukraine. When Ukraine does not waste a single day or miss a single opportunity, Ukraine’s interests are genuinely protected.
Glory to Ukraine!