Distinguished colleagues! Fellow Ukrainians!

We commence a regular session of the Government.

Today is a special day for our country.

It is the Day of Defenders and Defendresses of Ukraine.

This is the day of our gratitude to the people who have preserved Ukraine's independence. Those who have saved our country's freedom and future.

Let us remember who made Ukraine free. Thanks to whom Ukraine has been and will be. Today, let us once again thank every soldier who defends our country. To everyone who gave their lives for a strong and prosperous Ukraine.

Your bravery and heroism will always be remembered in history.

Sincere gratitude!

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The objective of the Government and every state institution is to provide our defenders with everything they need to perform combat missions, to undergo treatment and rehabilitation, and to pass from military to civilian life.

That is why the security and defense sector is No. 1 priority in the state budget for 2024.

Over 8 months, more than 57% of general fund expenditures have been channeled to defense.

Next year, security and defense will also come first. In the draft state budget, we have allocated UAH 2.2 trillion for this purpose, which is 26% of GDP.

Another area of support for our troops is to increase the number of weapons and equipment available to Ukraine's defenders.

Every day we work with our partners to increase the supply of weapons and enhance the development of our national defense industry.

Back in 2023, weapons production in Ukraine had tripled.

Every second ammunition in the combat zone is produced in Ukraine.

We will manufacture 1.5 million drones by the end of the year.

We manufacture drones and train personnel to operate them.

Today, the Government is launching a pilot project to certify UAV operator schools.

We are setting clear requirements for these schools and unifying the educational process.

It will be easier for trained drone operators to obtain a relevant military specialty.

We continue to implement our national missile program, reaching significant production volumes of artillery systems and armored vehicles.

We are setting up joint production facilities with partners, as well as raising funds from partners to purchase Ukrainian weapons for Ukraine.

Each timely delivery of a shell, each drone, each piece of artillery means an increase in the strength and might of our soldiers, and it saves their lives.

Another important aspect is the elimination of bureaucratic paperwork through digitalization.

The Army+ and the Reserve+ applications have already been launched, and Veteran+ will soon follow.

At the same time, we are pursuing a new veteran policy. This includes new services and digital services for veterans, as well as maximum simplification of procedures.

This means supporting veteran businesses and creating conditions for training in new professions with subsequent employment.

This is treatment and rehabilitation. We rely on modern rehabilitation centers that will operate according to the best international standards.

This is a tribute to the feat of the Ukrainian military. At all levels, in all cities and villages, in every corner of our country.

Ukraine is grateful to each and every one of those who are at the front and who are supporting the army in the rearguard areas.

We are grateful to all the military who hold their positions and destroy the enemies of Ukraine.

Eternal honor to those who gave their lives for Ukraine.

Let us remember this every day.

Glory to Ukraine!