President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Ukrainians for the year 2024, noting that no cruise missiles can defeat a nation that has wings.

“Today I address all those who value Ukraine, cherish their state, and lovingly call it ‘Mine.’ I thank you for 2024. Our people who endure all difficulties with dignity. People for whom being citizens of Ukraine is a source of pride. And for me, it is a pride to be the President of such people – Ukrainians who prove that no cruise missile can defeat a nation that has wings,” Zelenskyy said in his New Year's greetings.

The President also recalled that 1,358 people had been returned from Russian captivity this year, 3,956 Ukrainians during all time.

“And I’m giving not estimates but precise numbers, because each one represents a person, our person, a very important person. And with each return – we bring life back to Ukraine,” Zelenskyy stressed.

He also thanked teachers, doctors, power engineers, transport infrastructure workers, security guards, and mobile firing groups for their steadfastness.

“The guys who brought down 1,310 cruise and ballistic missiles this year, and 7800 Iranian Shahed drones. Bravo! We are proud! Thank you! We lived through this year together,” the President noted.