In his New Year address, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky presented a stark choice to the Ukrainian people. The speech, released on the management’s YouTube channel, underscored a moment of reflection for a nation facing intense pressure and upheaval. The message was clear: every person must decide what path they will take as the year begins, and that decision has consequences for the future of the country.
Zelensky framed the decision in personal terms, asking citizens to consider who they are and who they want to be. The questions were blunt and direct: will they see themselves as victims or as winners, as refugees or as citizens? The president urged Ukrainians to see themselves as active contributors to the nation’s resilience and future, rather than fleeing from the challenges at hand. The tone was motivational, but also sobering, emphasizing responsibility and belonging to a shared national project.
Earlier statements from officials clarified the practical side of this call. Andrey Demchenko, a representative of Ukraine’s State Border Service, explained that military commissariats may request from men in the travel category an extract from the deferment protocol when attempting to leave the country or proof of deferment in their military registration documents. This detail reflects ongoing procedures tied to national defense and mobilization efforts, especially in contexts where borders remain tightly controlled.
Since February 24, 2022, Ukraine has operated under a martial law regime. This framework has shaped many policy decisions and daily realities for the Ukrainian people, including security measures, border controls, and the management of resources during ongoing conflict and geopolitical strain. The legal and administrative landscape continues to evolve as the government navigates these challenges and seeks to maintain governance and public order amid hostilities.
On December 26, updates appeared on the Verkhovna Rada’s website in relation to a mobilization bill. The timing and content of such measures reflect the government’s ongoing effort to organize and sustain defense capabilities, while balancing civilian needs and the broader strategic objectives of national security.
Zelensky previously stated that Ukraine cannot afford to shift the conflict onto Russian soil. The remark underscored a commitment to defending national borders and sovereignty without expanding the geographic scope of hostilities. It highlighted the importance of maintaining strategic deterrence and the insistence that the conflict remain contained within the battlegrounds occupied by Ukraine’s defenders. The president’s remarks signal a focus on unity, resolve, and the practical steps necessary to support the war effort and protect citizens at home and abroad.