Good afternoon, esteemed colleagues, dear Ukrainians.

We start with the situation in the energy sector, which is under constant attacks of russian terrorists. On November 23, the seventh massive enemy attack on the energy infrastructure took place. Almost 70 missiles were launched by russians towards Ukraine, more than 50 of them were shot down by our heroic air defense forces.

Today, there is not a single thermal and hydroelectric power plant in Ukraine that has not been shelled by the enemy, and the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, Zaporizhzhya, remains occupied.

Despite this, today our energy system has emerged from a severe systemic accident. Currently, electricity producers are covering 70% of consumption needs.

Almost all critical infrastructure in the country has been powered: water utilities, sewage systems, heating companies, boiler houses, hospitals, gas distribution infrastructure, mines.

All the main high-voltage infrastructure is working, but problems remain in the distribution networks of regional power distribution companies throughout the country. On average, from 200,000 to 400,000 consumers are de-energized in each region at certain hours.

The situation is more difficult due to weather conditions in Khmelnytsky, Odesa, Ternopil regions. In Kharkiv and Kherson regions, infrastructure is damaged due to massive shelling that has been going on for the last 2 days.

In general, there is still a significant deficit in the energy system. Therefore, in order to keep it in balance, both planned and emergency outages of consumers continue to be in place.

I thank the power engineers for their heroism, selfless work and resilience. No other country in the world has such experience – to bring the power system into operation after seven waves of missile strikes. It is the professionalism of power engineers that allowed the power system to recover after another large-scale blow. We are grateful to them for their excellent work!

We also thank our international friends and partners for their constant support in the fight against russian energy terror.

The European Union has launched the Generators of Hope program. European cities unite to help Ukrainians. They will help meet the demand of our communities for power generators and deliver them to Ukraine as soon as possible.

We are also working to increase supply of transformers and high-voltage equipment from abroad. This is necessary for the rapid restoration of Ukrainian power grid.

After the recent shelling and the accident in the power grid, the work of the Points of Invincibility was activated. These are places where, in the absence of electricity, heating, communication or water, you can warm up, call your loved ones, connect to the Internet via Starlink, replenish water supplies and charge gadgets.

More than 4,000 Points of Invincibility have already started working throughout Ukraine. The network will be significantly expanded. I urge everyone to find the location of the nearest Point of Invincibility on the website nezlamnist.gov.ua. Take care of yourself and your loved ones in case of critical situations.

Today the Government also makes an important decision to ban export of fuel wood. This will contribute to its accumulation in Ukraine. After all, in many communities, especially those near the frontline, wood is currently the main resource for heating. russia’s attacks on the energy system only increase its strategic importance.

It is symbolic that the barbaric shelling of Ukraine took place almost simultaneously with the adoption of the decision by the European Parliament to recognize russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. This is a powerful and clear signal to the kremlin that there will be no compromises at the cost of Ukraine.

Also in the resolution on belarus, MEPs condemned the use of belarusian territory for aggression against Ukraine. They reminded the head of this country that he will also have to answer for his actions before an international tribunal and the International Criminal Court.

Such unequivocal position of united Europe is extremely important for Ukraine at the critical moment of the struggle for independence.

Another manifestation of solidarity with Ukraine is a strong macro-financial assistance coming from various sources. Our reliable partners in this regard are the United States and the European Union.

For 2023, the European Parliament approved allocation of macrofinance worth EUR 18 billion. This means that Ukraine will be able to cover all social budget expenditures: pensions, salaries to state employees, assistance to IDPs and people with disabilities, etc.

I thank our European friends for their faith in our future and contribution to our common victory.

We are grateful to the United States for the allocation of USD 4.5 billion in direct budget support grants. They will also be used by the state to fulfill its social obligations to Ukrainians.

In total, this year we have already received USD 13 billion of direct budget support from our American partners. These funds help us to strengthen the economy and ensure the provision of basic public services.

Ukraine is grateful to Canada for the issue of five-year Ukraine sovereignty bonds to the tune of CAD 500 million. Their implementation will help us to finance priority expenditures, particularly to cover social needs. It is important that everyone can join the support of our state by purchasing securities. Such an instrument is an effective and vivid manifestation of international solidarity with Ukraine.

Today’s decisions by the Government will allow Ukraine to attract another USD 500 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. This is part of a large project to support public spending to ensure sustainable public administration. The funds will be used to support the poor, IDPs, salaries for teachers and doctors.

We are clearly aware of all the difficulties and threats. We are not afraid of them, but successfully counteract them.

We will win, liberate and rebuild our country!

Thank you for your attention. Glory to Ukraine!