Saturday, December 31, 2016

President's New Year address



Dear fellow Ukrainians!
Not only children, but everyone, irrespective of age, believe in miracles. Especially in this festive time, which begins with St. Nicholas and ends with Epiphany. 
Especially this night, when New Year comes and fills our hearts with joy, faith and hope.

There are more grounds for optimism than a year ago. It still will not be easy, but the worst in the economy is already behind.
We have overcome the shock from the destruction of industrial capacity caused by military aggression. Just as from the hostile closing of the Russian market for our goods, from commercial and transport blockade.
We have adapted our economy to new conditions. We have managed to restore economic growth. This allows holding a course on increasing the revenues of Ukrainians in the new year.
We have reinforced our defense capability. We have coped with that task without mobilization. The army is now based on contractors and a defender of the Homeland is one of the noblest professions.
For the first time in our history we have not purchased a single cubic meter of Russian gas - this is a huge step towards energy independence!
As a single nation, we enjoyed Jamala’s victory on Eurovision, great success of Ukrainian Paralympic athletes and medals of Olympic athletes in Rio de Janeiro, effective punches of our boxers.
The coming year is special. It is a year of the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian National Revolution.
But at that time Ukrainians got involved in the infighting instead of uniting against the external threats. And now, if we do not make conclusions, reckless political clash can easily return the economy back to the steep diving, turn policy into anarchy and the country - into the prey of the aggressor.
We should not forget the most important lessons of history even on the New Year’s Eve. I have made conclusions. I will not repeat the others’ mistakes. And I will not let the others do that.
The main task for myself is to maintain proper political conditions for the development of the country. And, of course, to enhance our defense capacity, international support of Ukraine and ensure rapprochement with the EU and NATO.
I wish every one of you peace, victory, happiness and welfare.
Let us recall our earthly guardian angels with special respect.
Glorious Ukrainian warriors! The whole country is grateful to you for presenting this peaceful holiday night to us. For the guarantee of protection in the new year.
On behalf of the entire Ukraine, I congratulate you, our fellow Ukrainians, brothers and sisters in Crimea, Sevastopol and certain districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Russian occupation is temporary. We will be united for sure.
Everything will be fine!
Glory to Ukraine!
Happy New Year!

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