Dear colleagues, fellow Ukrainians.

Today, russia has launched another combined attack on the energy infrastructure. There is damage and hourly blackouts have been introduced.

Power engineers, rescuers and all responsible authorities are already working on the ground and taking all necessary measures to minimise the consequences.

We will do everything possible to restore electricity to the homes of all Ukrainians as soon as possible.

All these strikes are a demonstration that russia does not want peace, and behind the talk of peace, it only aims to reduce the support for Ukraine from our partners.

That is why our task now is to remain united, to strengthen our state, our army and our defence production.

This week, the President instructed the Government to increase direct funding for the brigades to purchase additional drones. Today, this order will be fulfilled.

The Ministry of Defence is allocating an additional UAH 1.1 billion for the purchase of drones. These funds will go directly to the brigades so that they can quickly cover the most important needs.

In total, this month the Ministry of Defence will directly transfer UAH 4.3 billion to military brigades, and over 11 months such direct funding has totalled UAH 27.2 billion.

Of these funds, UAH 8.8 billion was spent on the purchase of drones. UAH 3.9 billion was spent on the purchase of other weapons and equipment. 2.1 billion for the purchase of vehicles. UAH 1.5 billion for electronic security equipment.

These are the top-priority needs that the brigades have to meet as quickly as possible and as a matter of priority.

At the same time, over the first 10 months of this year, the Government has spent UAH 229 billion to purchase military equipment, weapons, ammunition, defence products, personal protective equipment, and food for the Security and Defence Forces.

Another UAH 226 billion was allocated for the purchase of goods to meet the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the first 10 months of the year.

As for direct funding for the brigades, the Government has decided that next year it will be no less than this year.

This is especially important for the rapid procurement of drones, of which we plan to produce more than 1.5 million this year. Next year, the state budget will also allocate UAH 100 billion for the purchase of drones.

The state is ready to invest and support Ukrainian producers. We also agree with our allies on their direct financing of Ukrainian defence and the purchase of weapons for the needs of the Security and Defence Forces from Ukrainian producers at the expense of our partners.

During our visit to Germany this week, we discussed this topic with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

We propose that Germany contribute to the financing of Ukraine’s long-range capability, namely the production of missiles and drones.

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We also discussed with our German partners the issue of finance for Ukraine for the next year. We have a clear understanding of how to finance the 2025 budget deficit.

This week, the U.S. announced USD 20 billion in financial support for Ukraine.

This is part of a package of support from the G7 using the proceeds of russia’s frozen assets. The total amount will be USD 50 billion.

Importantly, this USD 20 billion from the U.S. has already been transferred to the World Bank fund, through which it will be available to Ukraine.

In addition to this USD 20 billion, we expect to receive up to USD 20 billion from the EU, USD 3.7 billion from Canada, USD 3 billion from the UK and USD 3 billion from Japan.

At the same time, we are working with the IMF. We are also working with the World Bank. We are continuing the Ukraine Facility programme. We have agreements with our other partners.

All this will give us financial stability next year.

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To support Ukrainians in this difficult winter time, the Government continues to implement the President’s Winter Support initiative.

More than 6.8 million Ukrainians have already applied for a thousand hryvnias under the ePidtrymka programme. This includes more than 1.8 million children. The first payments have already been made.

Also, as part of the Winter Support programme, we are expanding the Affordable Medicines programme at a record level. Every Ukrainian can take advantage of it, with almost medical devices and medicines available free of charge or for a small fee.

Today, the Government is adopting a resolution that will make the Affordable Medicines programme available in every pharmacy in our country. This will make medicines even more accessible in every corner of the country.

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As part of the Winter Support programme the Government also continues to finance the installation of alternative energy sources.

Businesses, condominiums, and private households can receive grants and concessional loans to install solar stations, energy storage and other energy equipment that provides power for your home and business.

Hundreds of businesses and private homes have already benefited from the affordable loan programmes. We have already completed 121 projects under the GreenDIM condominium grant programme, and this number is constantly growing.

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Next week, we are also launching a project to support book publishing in Ukraine and reading in Ukrainian.

Those who turn 18 this year will be able to receive a special card worth UAH 908 to buy books published in Ukraine in the Ukrainian language.

At a time when russia is bombing our printing houses and trying to destroy our culture, this is an important element of support.

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We are grateful to each and every person who defends Ukraine.

We are grateful to our power engineers and rescuers for their selfless work 24/7.

We are grateful to everyone who works for Ukraine and our resilience.

Thank you for your attention.

Glory to Ukraine!