The Zelenskys addressed Ukrainians on the eve of the New Year.

Olena and Volodymyr Zelensky addressed Ukrainians: 2024 is earned and free

The First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed Ukrainians on the eve of the New Year. On social media, they shared their main wishes and characterized the year that is ending.

"Our 2024. Every day of it is earned by our warriors, by all our people, by each and every one who defends, works, strengthens, and helps. The labor and courage, humanity and principles of an entire nation filled this year. And also - care, development, and love, the desire to change reality for the better despite everything," the post reads.

The couple emphasized that Ukrainians "know what it is like - not to wait for what tomorrow will bring, but to fight for every day and every year of freedom. "

"We, Ukrainians, know what it's like - not to wait for what tomorrow will bring, but to fight for every day and every year of freedom. And 2024 has become just that - earned and free. Another step towards justice, towards an honest peace, towards our victory, towards a life without war. Strength to us all in the new year, unity, inspiration. Happy New Year of life and freedom, our year!" the Zelenskys concluded.

Let us remind you that Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner exchange on December 30. 189 Ukrainian defenders were able to return home. The channel "Lists of the Found and Captured" publishes the names of those who were released.

Latest prisoner exchange

A total of 3956 people have already returned from Russian captivity, of which 1358 in 2024. Thus, the eleventh exchange in 2024 allowed for the release of:

• 87 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (of which 17 - Territorial Defense Forces);
• 43 - National Guard;
• 33 - State Border Guard Service;
• 24 - Naval Forces;
• two civilians.