President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation and pointed to the suicidal nature of Russia's invasion, emphasizing the heroism of Ukrainians in resisting occupiers.

"Unbreakable people of the most courageous country!

We have endured for 50 days. 50 days of Russian aggression, though they allotted us only five at most. That's how well they "know" us. That's how they "align with reality."

Russia started the war against Ukraine not on February 24th. Russian troops came to us back in 2014. They annexed our Crimea. They turned it into one large military base. They made the Black and Azov Seas among the most dangerous seas on the planet. They launched a terrible, infinitely cynical war in our Donbas. They killed our people for eight years. 14 thousand dead over this period!

What did the world respond with? The question remains rhetorical. But that's why they decided they could afford to launch a full-scale invasion.

Some are still arguing about how harsh sanctions against the Russian Federation should be. But what is there to discuss when Russian troops are already repeating on our land what Europe saw only during World War II?

In 50 days of full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation, they showed that Donbas is Russia's main target. It's precisely in Donbas that Russia wants to destroy first. The Lugansk and Donetsk regions are being destroyed as if Russia wants nothing but rubble left behind. And no people at all.

They forcibly recruit residents of these regions into their army. They throw them into the most horrific battles, literally against our defense line. They destroy cities and villages in Donbas. Burning everything that survived eight years of war.

Proud and humble Kharkiv hasn't seen such atrocities for 80 years as Russia brings upon it now. Why destroy it? What can be achieved by burning Kharkiv?

What exactly can the destruction of Saltivtsi or Freedom Square give to Russia?

And these are no longer rhetorical questions. These are questions about how senseless this invasion is by the Russian Federation. How self-destructive it is for everything that Russia supposedly "protects." For Russian culture, for ties with this people, even for the Russian language. Russia is burning all of this with its weapons. Burning it down for at least a decade minimum. For generations.

Ancient Chernihiv. Over a thousand years old. Having seen so many wars and oppressors that in the 21st century, it deserved peace and tranquility. But... Russia came. Came with the worst that Chernihiv had ever experienced since the 10th century. From the time of that Rus', to which Russia once laid claim. Now even this myth is burned down. Rus' would not have destroyed itself. It was done by foreigners. Ordinances and other oppressors. That's who came to our land today. And they fight just as brutally— for plunder and for atrocities.

Thank God, the Armed Forces of Ukraine and our people defended most of our country.

I recall the first day of the Russian Federation's invasion. I remember what was said to me on February 24th. Especially by strong voices in this world. Mildly put, no one was confident that we would hold out. Everyone sympathized. Many advised us to leave the country. Advised us to surrender to tyranny.

But they didn't know us. And they didn't know how brave Ukrainians are, how much we value freedom. Our ability to live as we want ourselves. Not people who run things so that their army sees toilets for the first time on occupied territory and steals home appliances.

Occupants will be held accountable for everything they did in Ukraine. For everything done against Ukrainians. They will answer for Bucha, Kramatorsk, Volnovakha, Ohtyrka. For Hostomel and Borodyanka. For Izium, Mariupol, and all other cities and communities of Ukraine that the Russian army has pushed back 80 years. In this terrible time when everyone in the world always said: "Never again." Here it is—again. Here it is—now. And we will do everything to make sure it's truly the last.

Because the question of how to ensure security for Ukraine and Europe will no longer be rhetorical. We won't allow that.

I am grateful to everyone who supported our state. Who immediately asked how they could help. Who stood back-to-back with us and helped obtain what was needed for the defense of our country.

This time, these 50 days showed me differently many world leaders. Different countries. I saw great generosity in those who are not rich themselves. I saw extraordinary resolve in those whom global leaders usually did not take seriously. I saw that the democratic world truly has people whose will is enough to defend freedom from tyranny's attack.

I saw politicians acting as if they had no power at all. And I saw non-politicians who accomplished more in these 50 days than some state actors claiming leadership.

But this is all just an addition. An addition to how Ukraine is defended by our people, the entire nation. Those who stopped the endless columns of Russian equipment. Who are holding back constant attacks on Donbas. Who heroically defend Mariupol, helping their defense hold up the whole state. Who halted the advance from the south. And made our Chornobaivka famous. Who expelled the enemy from the north.

Those who showed that Russian aviation is vulnerable despite Russia spending tens of billions on various systems meant to protect its planes.

Those who showed that Russian ships can go... down to the bottom.

Those who help the army and society find whatever is needed.

Those who rescue, heal, teach. Conduct negotiations. Who ensure us all stable communication.

Those who rebuilt supply chains for the entire country.

Those who support financial stability, who kept businesses running and working.

Those who help refugees. Those who have started planting.

Those who give Ukraine accurate information and necessary emotions. All our journalists, everyone who united for a nationwide telethon.

50 days of our defense is an achievement. An achievement of millions of Ukrainians. Each one who on February 24th made the most important decision in their life— to fight. To be human. Not to surrender. And not betray.

Since ancient times and until now, humanity has sought heroes. People have always valued heroes. Always supported those who are brave. And always felt who is fighting for good. For 50 days of this war, Ukraine became a hero for the entire free world. For those with enough courage to call things by their names. For those not poisoned by propaganda. You all have become heroes. All Ukrainians and Ukrainian women who stand up, who do not surrender. And who will win. Who will bring peace back to Ukraine. I am certain of this.

Today, I spoke with our team participating in the international sports competition "Games of the Unbroken." Among them are veterans and military personnel— those defending our country right now. They are very worried about having to travel for the games. I assured them we will wait for their return and support them at the games just as sincerely. I believe our team will give us reason to cheer this year too.

And, as usual every evening, I signed decrees awarding those who have distinguished themselves in defending the state. 221 servicemen of Ukraine's Armed Forces, including 34 posthumously. And two State Special Communications Service officers.

The title Hero of Ukraine was awarded to Major Oleksandr Vasyl'ovych Kukurbi, commander of the reconnaissance unit of the 299th tactical aviation brigade's staff. Thanks to his brave actions, dozens of enemy units and hundreds of occupiers were destroyed.

And I also honored those whose last names cannot be named. But honored for what is certainly beneficial to all.

Eternal glory to all who defend the state!

Eternal memory to each and every one who died for Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!»