Upon the submission of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved the appointment of Mykhailo Fedorov as Minister of Defence of Ukraine. A total of 277 Members of Parliament voted in favor of his candidacy. Following his appointment, the newly appointed Minister of Defence addressed the Verkhovna Rada, outlining key achievements in the defence sector and defining future priorities.

At the initiative of the leadership of the National Defense University of Ukraine and the Department for Corruption Prevention and Detection of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, and in cooperation with representatives of the NATO Building Integrity Programme, the Defence Advisor Programme of the United Kingdom, and the Centre for Integrity in the Defence Sector (CIDS), a series of events dedicated to International Anti-Corruption Day was held throughout November–December 2025. These events were conducted with academic and methodological support from the Scientific Center for Integrity and Anti-Corruption in the Security and Defense Sector (BITEC) at the National Defense University of Ukraine.

We are seeing off another year of war — a year of hardship, sacrifice, and dignity. The year 2025 will remain forever in our memory as a time of immense strength, great loss, and deep love for our Homeland. We fought not only with weapons, but with intellect, heart, and faith. And we endured. Ukraine stands on the shoulders of the unbroken. On the front lines — the warriors who hold back the darkness each day. In the rear — the millions who work, teach, heal, volunteer, uphold order, and build the future. The Defense Forces of Ukraine are our backbone. Their courage is our guiding star.

On Christmas night, the world once again hears a quiet yet eternal message: Christ is born — and light has triumphed over darkness. This message of the birth of the Son of God resonates with Ukraine today more than ever. It reminds us that evil never has the final word, and that love and truth are always stronger than fear. In our prayers are the Defense Forces of Ukraine, who are celebrating Christmas at their combat posts, far from their homes and loved ones. May the newborn Christ be close to each of them, strengthening their spirit and protecting them from all harm.

The warriors who bear the main burden of defense and prove our nation’s resilience every single day — are the soldiers of the Ukrainian Ground Forces! It is they who are the first to face the enemy’s attacks, who fight for every position, and who ensure the steadfastness of our entire defense system. I express my sincere gratitude to all service members of the Ground Forces for their professionalism, courage, and strength of spirit. I wish you strong health, endurance, reliable comrades by your side, and success in all your missions. Together — to Victory!

The Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is a day of honor, a day of gratitude and respect to all those who stand guard over Ukraine’s independence as a firm and unbreakable shield. It is a day of unity between generations — when we proudly recall the names of past heroes and pay tribute to today’s defenders — every man and woman in uniform who holds the line amidst the storm of war. We are united by a common goal — a strong and independent Ukraine. And it is the Armed Forces that have always been, and will remain, the foundation of this shield.

День ракетних військ і артилерії — це вшанування сили, вірності обов’язку, високої професійної майстерності та героїзму, які є невід’ємними рисами воїнів-артилеристів. Артилерія завжди була і залишається могутньою вогневою опорою наших Сил оборони. Сьогодні, в умовах широкомасштабної агресії проти України, бойові підрозділи ракетних військ і артилерії відіграють вирішальну роль на фронті. Ваша точність, злагодженість, відвага і холоднокровність дають змогу стримувати наступ противника, підтримувати піхоту і бронетанкові війська, знищувати ключові ворожі цілі, забезпечуючи успішне виконання бойових завдань.

On November 30, we honor the servicemen and civilian personnel of the Radio-Technical Troops of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These troops are a reliable component of our nation’s air defense system. They are the first to engage aerial threats, demonstrating daily their technical excellence, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the mission of protecting Ukraine’s skies. I sincerely thank the personnel and veterans of the Radio-Technical Troops for their devoted service, professionalism, courage, and unbreakable fighting spirit. Wishing you strong health, well-being, perseverance, unshakable faith in our Victory, and always peaceful skies over Ukraine!

Ukraine honors the memory of the millions whose lives were destroyed and cut short during the Holodomors — one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century. The Holodomor of 1932–1933 was a deliberate act of genocide aimed at suppressing the Ukrainian nation, its will, and its identity. Today, as Ukraine once again fights for its right to exist, this day reminds us of the price of freedom and the fact that the totalitarian regime that orchestrated the Holodomor is the predecessor of today’s Russian aggression. The attempt to destroy Ukrainians continues in new forms — through war, devastation, and terror against civilians.

November 21 marks a day that forever changed the trajectory of Ukraine’s history. A day when millions of citizens stood up to defend their dignity and freedom — our European path. The Revolution of Dignity and the Orange Revolution revealed the strength of the Ukrainian spirit, our ability to unite in decisive moments, and our responsibility for our state. Today, this strength is evident both at the front and in the rear — in the daily struggle against Russian aggression. Ukrainian soldiers are defending the very values for which people stood on the Maidan: freedom, the right to be masters of our own land, and a future that we build with our own hands.

Today we express our sincere respect to the warriors who are able to maintain order in battle and inspire confidence in their units by personal example. To those who remain steadfast in the most challenging moments, make well-considered decisions under pressure, and carry the responsibility for their people and for Ukraine with dignity. The Non-Commissioned Officer Corps is a pillar of our modern Armed Forces. Sergeants shape discipline, fighting spirit, and the inner strength of units. You are the first to face challenges and remain worthy of your rank in any circumstances.

The financial system of the army is a strategic backbone that ensures the stability and combat readiness of the Armed Forces. Thanks to military financial officers, the Armed Forces of Ukraine receive the resources needed for operations, our service members receive proper social support, and the state earns the trust of its citizens and international partners. Your work sustains the combat capability of our troops and strengthens their resilience in the most challenging times. You transform financial resources into real opportunities that empower the army and uphold its endurance.

In wartime, your work has strategic significance. It may not always be visible, yet no operation and no success on the battlefield is possible without it. You transform resources into combat power and make it possible for the Army to operate effectively under any conditions. The National Defence University of Ukraine takes pride in training officers who understand that modern armed forces cannot exist without reliable logistics. Your professionalism and dedication allow the Armed Forces of Ukraine to act according to the highest standards and to maintain their endurance even under the most difficult circumstances.

In times of war, law has become a weapon that protects no less than armour. It guarantees justice, strengthens trust in the Army, and helps our soldiers remain steadfast. Military lawyers fulfil a unique mission. You ensure compliance with international humanitarian law, protect the rights of service members, and provide commanders with confidence in their decisions. Thanks to you, Ukraine demonstrates to the whole world that it remains a state governed by the rule of law, even in the most difficult trials. A special role in this process belongs to the National Defence University of Ukraine. Here a new generation of military lawyers is formed — officers for whom law and justice are not only a profession, but also a calling. Within the walls of the University, specialists are trained who can strengthen the Army through law and protect every soldier with legal knowledge and principles.

The Territorial Defence is living proof that Ukrainians are ready to defend every meter of their land. It is not just military units — it is a community of people who have taken upon themselves the duty to be the shield of the country, their families, and the future. Every day, the soldiers of the Territorial Defence prove that the enemy will not pass where there is determination and unity. This strength will help us endure, overcome, and bring closer the day when the word peace once again becomes natural for Ukraine.