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.

The parties discussed certain substantive details of the ongoing work. There are good ideas that can work toward a shared outcome and lasting peace.

The Head of State congratulated His All-Holiness on Christmas and thanked him for his sincere greetings to the Ukrainian people, as well as for his support for the defense of life and for diplomatic efforts.

The awards were presented to scientists who have made significant contributions in the development of medicine, the renovation of armaments and military equipment, the creation of materials for advanced weaponry, the protection of critical infrastructure, the improvement of crime prevention, and the development of unmanned systems, missiles, and ammunition, as well as the enhancement of military planning – a total of 73 laureates with 10 scientific projects.

We mark Christmas in a difficult time. Sadly, not all of us are at home this evening. Sadly, not everyone still has a home. And sadly, not everyone is with us tonight. But despite all the suffering that Russia has brought, it is not capable of occupying or bombing what matters most. That is our Ukrainian heart, our faith in one another, and our unity.

We are working actively and doing everything necessary to ensure that the documents come to fruition and that they are realistic. The key is that Russia must not sabotage this diplomacy and must take ending the war 100% seriously.

The First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, summed up the results of cultural diplomacy projects implemented this year.