Russia is dragging out the war against Ukraine for one reason only – it has the money to keep the war going. All sanctions that restrict Russia help bring peace. All weapons that strengthen Ukraine help bring peace. All political actions that isolate Russia help bring peace. I am grateful to President Trump @POTUS for his determination to end the war and for the corresponding pressure from the United States – a shift in sentiment is already being felt in Russia, and new decisive steps, new strong sanctions will push the Russians toward peace. I thank everyone in Europe and around the world who, together with the U.S., supports Ukraine, strengthens our air defense, our front line, and all efforts in the name of peace.

The Litera Youth Hub in Kharkiv. A space based at the regional children's library, created so that even amid the war, young people can continue their development and communicate in person. The hub hosts lectures, workshops, and training sessions. School students can also undergo free preparation for the National Multisubject Test. Today, I met here with school students and university students from Kharkiv. A special and warm meeting. I was also a guest on one of the podcasts that can be recorded here in the hub’s recording studio. We spoke about Kharkiv and its recovery, the war, and our youth. It’s extremely important that young people live and grow here in Ukraine. Our warriors are defending the Kharkiv region and all of Ukraine for exactly that – to bring back full life.

Russia is hunting civilians all along the entire front line. The killing of people. The killing of children. Deliberate FPV drone strikes on first responders and medics arriving to help after attacks – all of this is typical for every city or community within reach of Russian drones. The Russian army simply kills everything that is alive. The world has enough power to stop this and protect people. We count on strong decisions from the United States, Europe, and the world regarding secondary sanctions on Russian energy trade and Moscow’s banking sector. Ukraine looks forward to the implementation of every agreement on strengthening defense that has been reached with its partners. Every day of delay results in the loss of our people.

The NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov reported today on his communication with the Russian side – an exchange of 1,200 of our people who are currently in captivity is being prepared. We must bring everyone home – both military and civilian – no matter how difficult it may be. Head of the Office Andriy Yermak reported on communication with our partners, in particular with the Americans: the United States is committed to providing support. Grateful for that. Pressure on Russia can truly work – in a way that makes them feel the consequences of prolonging the war. I also held a meeting today on our sanctions policy. Three sanctions packages have been prepared, and the first one has already been enacted today. Sanctions have been imposed on the captains of Russia’s shadow fleet, and we will synchronize sanctions with partners to ensure the pressure is effective across most jurisdictions. I have approved the synchronization of our partners’ sanctions in our jurisdiction for next week – all necessary decisions by partners must be mirrored by Ukrainian sanctions.

Together with NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov and Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, we discussed the negotiation track – specifically, the implementation of the agreements reached during the meetings with the Russian side in Istanbul, as well as preparations for a new meeting. Among the key issues is the continuation of POW exchanges. There is an agreement to exchange 1,200 people, and work on the lists is ongoing. The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council reported on communication with the Russian representative. We are also working to unblock the return of our civilians and are verifying data on each individual. Andriy Yermak reported on coordination with key partners supporting our diplomatic efforts – in particular, contacts with the American side – and on efforts to secure the return of children who were abducted and taken to Russia. Together with Rustem Umerov, we discussed the upcoming meetings of the Staff and the topics of the reports to be presented at the Staff meetings. In particular, the agenda will include the preparation of the energy sector and all our critical infrastructure for the heating season, as well as the development of Ukraine’s air defense and our long-range strikes on Russian logistics. The audit of the implementation of NSDC and the Staff decisions is ongoing. Unfortunately, some of the decisions have not been implemented. This will be promptly rectified.

Today I received a report from the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk. I am grateful for our special long-range operations on Russian territory. Each of them is tangible for the enemy, and our operations will continue – Russia is dragging out the war, so it will receive just responses.

Today, we all strive to make Ukraine’s voice strong and influential in the world, so that as many people as possible around the globe know the story of Ukraine’s fight for life. This is possible when, on the international stage, the efforts of politicians and diplomats are supported by Ukrainian legends known in every corner of the planet. One of them is our undisputed world champion, Oleksandr Usyk @usykaa. During our meeting, we spoke precisely about this — how to strengthen our positions, particularly in the United States; how to ensure the world does not forget Russia’s crimes; how to keep reminding everyone of the daily trials faced by the Ukrainian people and of the courage that Ukrainians have shown over more than 1,256 days of the war. We also addressed the promotion of healthy lifestyles among young people, and the support and motivation of children who are actively engaged in sports. We are working together — for Ukraine, for freedom, for peace. 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

In October 2024, we learned of a painful and unjust loss: Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna died in Russian captivity. She had already been included in the prisoner exchange list. Russia had pledged to release her but broke its word. Viktoriia was one of those who spoke the truth about the war. She worked on the frontlines and in temporarily occupied territories, risking her life. In February of this year, her body — bearing numerous signs of torture — was returned to Ukraine. Since then, all necessary forensic examinations have been carried out. Today, we honor Viktoriia Roshchyna posthumously. She has been awarded the Order of Freedom for her unwavering belief that freedom will overcome everything. Honor and eternal memory to Viktoriia Roshchyna.

We understand who calls the shots in Russia, and thus Ukraine is once again offering to move beyond technical talks—not to exchange statements, but to actually meet at the level of leaders.

It's impossible to justify what Russia is doing. We will never forgive the killing of our people, these brutal strikes. With yesterday’s strike on Kyiv, Russia killed 31 people. 179 were injured. My sincere condolences to the families, the loved ones, and to all who have lost what they held dearest. This was one of the most brutal strikes on the capital. Today, at the site of the destroyed section of a nine-story residential building, I spoke with our people. The state will definitely help and support all those affected. I am grateful to everyone who worked at the scene – those who rescued, treated, and cleared the rubble. This kind of mutual support is incredibly important. We will certainly continue our efforts to provide greater protection for our people.