President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed our nation and spoke about another war crime committed by Russian occupiers against peaceful civilians, as well as his meetings with EU representatives in Kyiv.

"Ukrainians! Ukrainians!

The 44th day of our defense from the Russian invasion is coming to an end. The 44th dark day. Russian troops launched a missile attack on the railway station in Kramatorsk early this morning. Thirty-eight people died at the scene. Throughout the day, another twelve people died in hospitals. We lost five children. Dozens of seriously injured remain hospitalized.

This is yet another war crime committed by Russia for which everyone involved will be held accountable.

Russian state propagandists were so eager to shift the blame for this attack onto Ukrainian forces that they inadvertently revealed Russia's guilt.

The agency "RIA Novosti" published a news report stating that the strike on Kramatorsk was carried out even before the missiles were in the air. And the day before, other Russian propagandists spread threats against all those who fled from Donbas by rail.

All leading world powers have already condemned Russia's attack on Kramatorsk. We expect a firm and global response to this war crime.

Like the mass killings in Bucha, like many other Russian war crimes, the missile strike on Kramatorsk will become one of the charges at the tribunal that is bound to take place.

All world powers will be directed towards establishing exactly who did what, who gave which orders and how this attack was sanctioned. Accountability is inevitable.

I spoke today with EU representatives who arrived in Kyiv. With President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell.

Throughout the day, they visited Bucha and saw with their own eyes the consequences of occupation. They witnessed how many people were killed by Russian troops. I appreciate the EU's readiness to provide necessary financial and technical assistance for documenting and investigating Russian crimes. Thank you to President von der Leyen personally for her involvement and support in establishing a joint investigative team to uncover the full truth about what was done by Russian occupiers and hold all those responsible accountable.

I am also grateful for financial support — one billion euros on weapons. Plus today we agreed on an additional 500 million euros for defense needs.

I held talks with the Prime Minister of Slovakia. Thanked him for unprecedented military and other support. For the warmth of Slovak hearts towards Ukrainians and Ukrainian women.

We also spoke with EU representatives about further steps to force Russia into peace. I noted that existing sanctions are insufficient. We need to increase pressure on Russia even more.

A full energy embargo must be imposed — on oil, on gas. Russian energy exports provide a significant portion of Russia's profits and allow the Russian leadership to believe in their impunity. To hope that the world will ignore war crimes committed by the Russian army. We won't let this happen. No one in the world with the courage of Ukrainians will tolerate it.

We also need to completely disconnect Russian banks from the global financial system. Not just some, but all of them, the entire Russian banking system. There cannot be a situation where the greatest threat to global security finds ways into global wealth.

In this context, I welcome the new package of sanctions against Russia that has been announced.

I consider it wrong how some in the West still approach the Russian state. We know who constantly tries to soften sanction proposals. And we will do everything to make Europe finally understand: any time now, real and strong sanctions must be imposed on Russia. Not just partial restrictions on Russian energy exports. Not just partial restrictions on Russian maritime traffic. We know all those who are delaying decisions. But I am confident that even these politicians and countries will change their position under the pressure of what Russia is doing to Ukrainians and freedom in Europe.

Today, I addressed the parliament and people of Finland. Called on Finnish politicians to do everything to help Ukraine. Also reminded them that the best way to stop tyranny and protect freedom — is to provide Ukraine with necessary weapons. The weapons we have repeatedly requested in the West and which are available there. I will continue every day, literally hour by hour, fighting for our country to receive everything it needs.

Russia's war against our people can end much sooner than many around the world think if Ukraine simply receives the weapons we have listed. Any delay in providing such weapons to Ukraine, any refusals could mean only one thing: those politicians want to help Russian leadership more than us, Ukrainians.

Yes, not everyone has found the courage that we have. But we do have strong and principled partners and friends. Real friends who are helping Ukraine in a way that truly protects us. Who really protect freedom in Europe. I am confident that Ukraine's victory is just a matter of time. And I will do everything to shorten this time.

By the way, we also spoke today about the timeline for Ukraine's full EU membership.

Today, we received from the European Commission an application questionnaire. Finally. The answers to which will form the basis for the European Commission's conclusion on Ukraine's readiness for accession negotiations with the EU.

Our government will prepare high-quality and very quickly. I think within a week. Then — the European Commission's conclusion, which will be prepared over the next few months. And then — decisions by member states and accession talks.

I am convinced of our success on this path. I am convinced that we are finally getting close to realizing our long-term goal. Ukraine will become one among equals in our common European home. Ukraine will be a member of the European Union. A peaceful, sovereign, and rebuilt state. We will ensure it happens. No doubts.

We are preparing for tomorrow's mass action in Warsaw as part of an initiative by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau — Stand for Ukraine.

This is about support for Ukrainians, for our refugees. All funds — to support Ukrainians.

Glory to Ukraine!»