President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on X during the 29-minute window ending at 4:45 PM UTC on December 26 that every occupier destroyed by Ukrainian warriors and each battlefield achievement, including the Kupyansk operation, contributes to negotiation results and successful talks, according to his post. Zelenskyy noted partners have thanked Ukraine multiple times in recent weeks for the Kupyansk operation, which restores faith in Ukraine and proves Russian President Vladimir Putin lies, as stated in the X post. He emphasized that Ukrainian warriors demonstrate the truth in the war, supporting Ukraine's partners. Zelenskyy expressed pride in the warriors and gratitude for their service, announcing he awarded Orders of the Golden Star and Crosses of Military Merit to members of Ukraine's Security and Defense Forces, presenting them to families of Heroes honored posthumously, per the post. The statement concluded with 'Glory to the Ukrainian warriors! Glory to Ukraine!' This follows Zelenskyy's earlier announcement of progress in US-Ukraine negotiations on security guarantees and other frameworks during the prior reporting window.
