President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Staff, during which the military budget for 2024, reports on the current situation in key areas of the front were discussed, and specific decisions were made to protect Kherson.

"Important Staff meeting. Strategic vision for the de-occupation of our land and concrete steps for its implementation. Clarification of all plans and calculations for the continuation of active operations. Military budget for the next year. Emphasis on becoming self-sufficient in shells, missiles, drones, and armored vehicles," Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel on Friday.

In addition, the Staff heard reports from commanders on the current situation in the Kupiansk, Bakhmut, Avdiyivka, and Melitopol directions of the front and on the left bank of Kherson region.

"Concrete decisions to protect Kherson. There will be strengthening of air defense, counter-battery weapons, electronic warfare and reconnaissance," Zelenskyy emphasized.

Also at the meeting, there was a separate report on the evacuation of citizens of Ukraine and partner countries from the Gaza Strip.

"The work continues," the president concluded.