I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
Today was also an active day for us, for our diplomacy – there were important conversations. Patriarch Bartholomew – I am grateful for the greetings extended to Ukraine and to all Ukrainians on the occasion of Christmas, as well as for the clear support of genuine values – the values of peace and respect for human life, and for the protection of life.
Today, we also spoke for nearly an hour with envoys of the U.S. President – Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. It was a truly good conversation: we went into many details; there are good ideas, which we discussed. We have some new ideas in terms of formats, meetings, and, of course, timing on how to bring a real peace closer. Later today, Rustem Umerov will continue discussions with the American team, and it is important if we succeed in organizing what we discussed today. Some documents are already prepared, as I see it, they are nearly ready, and some documents are fully prepared. Of course, there is still work to be done on sensitive issues. But together with the American team, we understand how to put all of this in place. The weeks ahead may also be intensive. Thank you, America! And I thank everyone who continues to put pressure on Russia so that they fully understand that prolonging the war will have severe consequences for them – for Russia. I also spoke today with the Prime Minister of Norway – I am grateful to Jonas for his unwavering support. I informed him about the current state of our discussions with the United States, and together with Jonas we also discussed possible next joint steps. I will also be speaking with other European leaders to ensure that we are all moving at the same pace and toward one shared goal. Real security, real recovery, and real peace – this is what must be achieved.
I received a report today from Pavlo Palisa on issues that expand our capabilities at the front. I also signed decrees today awarding our warriors with state honors. And everyone who is now defending our positions – all those currently on combat missions, at combat posts, all those providing Ukraine with protection against Russian assaults and Russian strikes – all of you, our warriors, are strengthening our diplomatic positions. Thank you! Thank you to everyone who is fighting for Ukraine as for themselves! Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Glory to Ukraine!