It is a great honor for me to continue serving the Ukrainian people as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and I am grateful to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his trust in this important mission.

Briefly on priorities. The foreign policy course approved by the President remains unchanged. Its key parameters are determined by the realities of war. The war in which Ukraine must win in order to guarantee security for its citizens and restore international law and order.

Therefore, the priorities of Ukrainian diplomacy are inextricably linked to the fulfillment of very specific, tangible and vital tasks.

The number one task for Ukrainian diplomats - from ambassadors to attachés - is to ensure Ukraine's defense capability. Weapons, weapons, weapons.

This means implementing the packages that have already been allocated, and reducing the time gap between announcements and deliveries to the frontline, as the President has constantly emphasized. It is also about reaching new agreements. Cementing long-term commitments. The removal of all artificial restrictions on the supply of Western weapons and their use in the territory of the Russian Federation is also an undoubted priority. There should be no restrictions on the right to self-defense.

We will also work to increase the share of Ukraine-made weapons and expand the scope of purchases of weapons and military equipment from Ukrainian manufacturers with funding from foreign partners. The goal is defense self-sufficiency and independence in the supply of critical weapons.

Ambassadors and all diplomats should be in the context of war realities. To live in the realities of war.

The recent massive missile attacks on Poltava, Lviv and Kryvyi Rih show that we must immediately redouble our efforts with international partners to obtain additional air defense systems and long-range weapons. This is the key to a forward-looking foreign policy. After all, its receipt and effective use will bring additional diplomatic leverage in negotiations.

An important element of strengthening our defense capabilities is to toughen sanctions against the aggressor and implement security agreements with partner countries on the path to NATO.

Next priority: the EU and NATO. Ukraine in NATO is the best guarantee of security both for us and for Europe and the Euro-Atlantic area as a whole. Not only Ukraine deserves membership. The Alliance itself needs our state. We have to reach consensus among member states to invite Ukraine. Negotiations with the EU have already begun. They should move forward at a good pace and with concrete steps.

Ukraine's membership in the European Union and NATO is a guarantee of a stable future and peaceful coexistence of states.

The next fundamental task is to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. With the first peace summit in Switzerland, we showed the world that the only effective way to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace is the Peace Formula. There is no alternative to it. We will work to implement all of its points and engage new partners in their implementation. We will expand the circle of support, especially among the countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. We will come to the Second Peace Summit with even more consolidated support for peace.

An integral part of a just peace is the restoration of justice and accountability for Russia’s crimes, compensation for the damages caused. And we must now work systematically with our partners to restore Ukraine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine must respond to the new geopolitical realities. Both institutionally and in terms of personnel. Both in Ukraine and abroad. At a recent meeting of ambassadors chaired by the President, we agreed on a list of priority countries and regions where we will open new diplomatic missions. There will be personnel changes - new ambassadors and consuls-general will appear. There will also be changes in the central apparatus aimed at strengthening the system. The measure for each head of a foreign mission will be the result, not self-promotion and social media posts. Regardless of the political situation in the world, Ukraine will find modalities to ensure its national interest. Accordingly, Ukraine's Foreign Policy Strategy will be revised. Based on the realities of wartime.

I cannot but mention the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, which helps to defend Ukraine's interests. Groups of friends, a parliamentary dimension of foreign policy are an important tool. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine will provide comprehensive assistance to MPs in implementing this dimension. This includes the role of the Verkhovna Rada in implementing the Peace Formula of the President of Ukraine, and the parliamentary dimension in ensuring the effective operation of the International Crimea Platform.

We also plan to start involving experts and businesses in the development of foreign policy more actively to make it more inclusive and comprehensive. And to take into account the interests of all key players involved in various spheres of diplomacy - security, economic, cultural and educational.

Economic diplomacy is a separate track. We will work to more effectively attract macro-financial and long-term support for Ukraine. Opening up new markets for Ukraine will help ensure long-term economic growth even in the difficult conditions of war. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, in turn, will provide systematic support to Ukrainian exporters in entering foreign markets.

I am convinced that all this will lead to the implementation of the core task of our foreign policy - the preservation and protection of our people.

7.5 million Ukrainians abroad are the realities of our time. They are an integral part of our nation. The protection of Ukrainian citizens abroad should be combined with creating motivation for their return to Ukraine. It is important to adopt legislation on multiple citizenship.

Ukrainianness is not limited to the borders of Ukraine. We will work to create a global Ukrainian space. The unprecedented challenges caused by the full-scale invasion require a serious reset and a new strategy for interaction with the Ukrainian global community. The President has already set this task for the Cabinet of Ministers and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

The further digital transformation of consular services is intended to help in its implementation. Maximum simplification and convenience. Obtaining the necessary documents, certificates and extracts in the app. Ukrainians abroad should feel the care of the state. They should understand how well developed its institutions are.

Every Ukrainian and every Ukrainian woman in the world should feel that Ukraine remembers them, cares about them and is waiting for them at home. An electronic consul, multiple citizenship and active support for Ukrainians are all part of the new strategy.

Caring for prisoners of war and civilian hostages in Russia and the occupied territories is a separate track. We are stepping up our work with both partners and intermediaries who help us return captured and deported Ukrainians home.  We will use every international platform, every opportunity, every tool to fight for the return of our people.

The fight against disinformation is also very important. Russian fakes are no less effective a weapon than their missiles and tanks. It is critical to strengthen Ukraine's communication capabilities, especially in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Ukraine is not the country it used to be. We are different. We are stronger. And our strength is in our unity. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine should become an instrument for achieving unity in support of Ukraine in the world. Uniting international efforts, forming coalitions, consolidating partners. All to achieve strategic goals and ensure the national interest.

Russian aggression has created global crises: nuclear, energy, legal and security crises. We have to stop it. Today, Ukraine is the subject on which the resolution of global issues depends. We have proven that the impossible is possible. And we will do it again. And again. And again. Until we win.

Ukraine deserves to have a strong diplomacy that is consistent with its role in the world. And everything will be done for this.

Glory to Ukraine!