Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stressed his resolve to retake territory from Russia and help Ukrainians who have evacuated the country to return.

Zelenskyy on Wednesday gave his annual address to the country's parliament ahead of the New Year.

He said Ukrainian forces have already managed to liberate more than 1,800 cities and villages from Russian occupation, and pledged to continue efforts to restore the country's territorial integrity.

The president said millions of Ukrainians have been displaced and found shelter abroad since Russia's invasion began.

He expressed gratitude to all the countries that have accepted and helped those people.

Zelenskyy went on, "But we must preserve them as a part of Ukrainian society. We have to ensure their return."

He said security guarantees and economic growth are needed in order to pave the way for evacuees to come back.