TRANSCRIPT
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the country's main victory in 2023 had been continuing to repel the Russian invasion.
"Our yellow and blue flag is in Ukraine, and this is our main victory. And the main thing is that we will preserve it - not only in our hearts, but we will actually preserve it all for our future generations. As for the historic victory of our country's Europeanism, I would say, the approach to justice."
Mr Zelenskyy says Kremlin forces have failed to expand their occupation of Ukraine since the February 2022 invasion.
The 1,000-kilometre frontline remains largely unchanged, with Ukrainian counteroffensives meeting strong Russian resistance.
Winter weather is now slowing troop movements, requiring the use of artillery, missiles, and drones.
President Zelenskyy says Ukraine has received additional Patriot surface-to-air systems providing medium- to long-range defense against Russian missile attacks.
"What is happening with the strengthening of Ukrainian air defense is important, very important. This winter is different, it also has challenges. Unfortunately, with losses, but still with less. We are becoming more powerful every month. I had a serious business trip with my сrew: several, I won't say the number, several new Patriot (missile) systems will be in Ukraine to protect our country in the winter. This is a very important result. I promised not to say the number until they are defending us."
This comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin says he is willing to negotiate with Ukraine, but only on his own terms.
He spoke at a meeting of the Defence Ministry's board.
"Only Russia could have been the guarantor of the territorial integrity of Ukraine. If they don't want it, let it be. History will put everything in its place. We won’t interfere, but we won’t give up our (territory). This is what everyone in Ukraine, Europe, and the USA, everyone who is aggressive towards Russia should understand. If they want to negotiate, let them negotiate. We will only do it based on our interests."
Mr Putin also reiterated that Ukraine's accession to NATO - whether that be years from now - was unacceptable.
"Western leaders kept telling me Ukraine won't join NATO, 'What are you afraid of now? We won't admit them now'. This is now, and what about tomorrow? And when tomorrow will come, in a year, in two? From the point of view of historical prospects and strategic interests of the Russian state, even in 10, or 15 years, this is unacceptable. What does it mean, 'no for today'?"
Meanwhile, the United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, says his office is investigating several cases of Russian soldiers allegedly killing civilians in Ukraine.
"The office is analysing six new reported cases of Russian soldiers killing civilians in occupied territory. The Russian authorities announced the arrest of two Russian soldiers in connection with the killing of a family of nine, including two children, in Volnovakha in Donetsk Oblast."
Mr Türk made the comments at a special session of the Human Rights Council, where many Western allies of Ukraine again denounced Russia’s full-scale invasion in February last year.
"Peace is not a word that I hear very often these days. The situation in Ukraine has been added to a litany of continuous suffering, and the world’s attention seems jaded by the multiple crises that we face. I feel for the Ukrainians, who have a right to peace, and who deserve peace, in line with the UN Charter and international law. Instead, I fear that protracted and entrenched conflict will impact lives and human rights for generations to come."
Mr Turk was also critical of Ukraine.
He says through the 30th of November, Ukrainian authorities have filed thousands of criminal charges against Ukrainian nationals in connection with alleged collaboration activities.
"As of 30 November, some 8,600 criminal charges have been made in relation to collaboration activities or similar charges, with courts ordering in most cases that the accused remain in custody pending trial. Verdicts have been handed down in 941 cases. In the view of my office, many of these individuals were convicted for conduct that could be lawful, including, for example, work to ensure the continued functioning of social services and schools in occupied areas. I urge the Ukrainian authorities to narrow its definition of collaboration to avoid any conflict with activity that is lawful under international humanitarian law."
As of the 4th of December, Mr Turk's office has recorded and confirmed over 10,000 civilian deaths resulting from the conflict since February 2022, including more than 560 children.
A further 18,500 civilians have been confirmed injured, many of them severely.
