Volodymyr Zelensky made the assessment in a video address to the nation on Friday night, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Ukraine’s president said: “The main thing is Donetsk region, Luhansk region – our Donbas, where the fiercest battles are going on. Bakhmut, Soledar, Kreminna... In general, we hold our positions.”
Zelensky added: “There are also areas of the front where we are slowly advancing. And I thank all our soldiers who ensure this. You are real heroes!”
Ukraine’s air defences ‘stronger than ever’ and will be ‘even stronger’ in 2023
Zelensky also stated: “We discussed the situation in the south, on our border, the supply of weapons, and the further strengthening of air defence.”
He told Ukrainians: “This year, we not only maintained our air defences, but we made them stronger than ever. But in the new year Ukrainian air defence will become even stronger, even more effective.”
Ukraine’s president went on to say: “Ukrainian air defence can become the most powerful in Europe, and this will be a guarantee of security not only for our country, but also for the entire continent.”
The United States last week announced a new USD 1.85 billion arms package for Ukraine's defence against Russia.
According to a statement by the US Department of Defense, the new security assistance package includes a Patriot air defence system, among other weapons.
On December 23, US lawmakers gave final approval to a USD 45 billion package of military and economic aid for Ukraine as it battles Russia's invasion, news outlets reported.
Saturday is day 311 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(pm)
Source: PAP, president.gov.ua, CNN
