MauritsvanderLinde

There are different people around Putin. Half of them want to continue this war and the other half want to stop it. Businessmen understand that the Russian economy is in a terrible situation. If Western countries – Europe, Canada, and the U.S. – don’t lift their sanctions, put more pressure on the Russian shadow fleet and other sectors, and Ukraine stays strong on the battlefield, then we will be closer to peace. I told this businessman, who came to deliver the message about a potential framework of diplomatic negotiations, that we were ready to speak from the very beginning. We didn't want this war, and we want to stop it. Yesterday I told the journalists that in Anchorage, Russia and the U.S. decided to speak about Ukraine without Ukraine. It was a mistake, especially for America, because Putin weakened the U.S. position. I think he was lying to the President of the United States. Anyway, we are ready to speak, but we won’t give up our territory. From an interview with The Guardian. (2/3)

I met with Roman Dehtiarov, a 17‑year‑old chess player from Kharkiv. He became the first player in history to win the European Championship without holding the grandmaster title. I honored Roman with the Future of Ukraine award. We spoke about his path, training, and plans. He has been playing chess since the age of five and has already achieved major victories both in Ukraine and internationally. I congratulate him on this important victory and thank him for representing Ukraine on the international stage at such a high level. We are proud of you, Roman, and of all our people. Glory to Ukraine!

Ik heb de Minister-president van Nederland @MinPres, Rob Jetten, gefeliciteerd met zijn aantreden en hem veel succes en daadkracht toegewenst. Wij zijn Nederland en het Nederlandse volk dankbaar voor de sterke steun aan Oekraïne sinds het begin van de grootschalige Russische invasie. We hebben de meest dringende behoeften van Oekraïne besproken: raketten voor luchtverdedigingssystemen en energieapparatuur. Dankbaar dat wij, zoals altijd, kunnen rekenen op steun van Nederland en hulp bij het beschermen van levens. We hebben ook gesproken over de onderhandelingen over het bereiken van een waardige vrede en het belang van veiligheidsgaranties. Ik waardeer de principiële steun voor onze standpunten en de bereidheid om op alle mogelijke manieren te helpen. We hebben afgesproken om elkaar op korte termijn te ontmoeten en te werken aan projecten die onze landen kunnen versterken. Ik ben de Minister-president dankbaar voor zijn aandacht voor Oekraïne vanaf zijn eerste dag in functie.

Another year is passing, hard-won through dedication and tenacity, through principles and the daily effort of Ukrainians. This year was made possible thanks to our defenders – those who stood their ground not only for Ukraine, but also for all who value freedom and dignity. Together, we move forward with what keeps us going: experience and memory, the word of home, hope and faith. We take with us the capacity for collective action and our humanity – what endures against all odds. We believe in peace, we fight for it, and we work to achieve it. Happy New Year, dear Ukrainians!