President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the true foundation of our state and the return to normal life in liberated territories.

"Ukrainians! Ukrainian women!

Our defenders and defenderesses!

The 58th day of our defense is coming to an end. It ends on Good Friday, one of the most sorrowful days in the Christian calendar. A day when death seems to have won. But... We hope for resurrection. We believe that life will triumph over death. And we pray that death will lose.

This year, during a full-scale war, Russia's war against our state, these words hold special meaning for us.

Russia brought death to Ukraine. After eight years of brutal warfare in Donbas, Russia wanted to destroy our state completely. Literally deprive Ukrainians of their right—their right to life. But no matter how fierce the battles were, death has no chance against life. This is known by every person. This is known by every Christian. It's a fundamental element of our culture.

Perhaps in contemporary Russian culture this doesn't exist anymore. Because to do everything they did against Ukrainians in our cities... one must kill the human inside themselves. Because no person of any faith can do such things.

But for our culture, all of this matters. And it will matter. And life will definitely triumph over death.

I am grateful to our British friends for the important symbolic decision announced today—to reopen their embassy in Kyiv. The United Kingdom has become the 21st country to restore diplomatic representation in our capital. And this shows that we are not alone in believing in life's triumph over death.

Today, with reference to Russian troops, news spread about their current mission supposedly being to establish control over Southern Ukraine and reach the Moldovan border. And apparently there, in Moldova, the rights of Russian speakers are violated.

However, if we're honest, the territory where Russia should be concerned about the rights of Russian speakers is Russia itself. Where freedom of speech doesn't exist, freedom of choice doesn't exist. Simply no right to a different opinion exists. Where poverty thrives and human life means nothing. So much so that they come to us, go to war, just to steal something that reminds them of normal life.

You know how earlier people used to talk about the greatest dream: seeing Paris and dying? But their behavior now is shocking. Because their dream now is to steal a toilet and die.

Well, this only confirms what I've said before: Russia's invasion of Ukraine was only supposed to be the beginning, and they want to conquer other countries next.

Of course, we will defend ourselves as much as needed to break Russia’s ambitions. But all nations who also believe in life's triumph over death must fight alongside us. Must help us because we have become the first on this path. And who comes next?

If those who might end up next want to remain neutral today, so as not to lose something, then that is the riskiest bet in reality. Because you will lose everything.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to repel Russian invaders' attacks on the eastern and southern parts of our state. Izium direction, Donbas, Azov Sea coast, Mariupol, Kherson region—these are the places where this war's fate and our country’s future are being decided.

In Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, generally in Donetsk Oblast, in Popasna and generally in Luhansk Oblast, in Kharkiv and surrounding areas, occupiers try to achieve a primitive goal—to kill as many people as possible and destroy everything they see.

And I am grateful to every one of our defenders and defenderesses who bravely hold their ground and teach the Russian army that Russia's chances in this war may be less than Ukraine’s.

As every morning, as every day, as every evening, we are today giving maximum attention to ensuring our military with all necessary weapons. This is task number one for our state.

And I am grateful to all of our partners who have finally heard us. Who are delivering exactly what we asked for. Because we know for sure that with this weaponry, we can save the lives of thousands of people. And we can show occupiers that the day when they will be forced to leave Ukraine is approaching.

The return to normal life in territories liberated from occupiers continues.

If demining began in 70 populated areas at the start of this week, then by today it has been completed in 184 populated areas. Of course, there is still a lot more to do. But I think the pace is good.

Humanitarian headquarters are working on territories that have already been deoccupied for over 500 populated areas. Almost 100 new populated areas are added daily where we return medical and educational services, social protection agencies, financial institutions.

Transport connections are being restored at a fairly quick pace. Plus 96 populated areas per day where road traffic is resumed. Plus 183 populated areas where fuel stations have reopened. Plus 90 populated areas where electricity has been restored. We're restoring water supply, gas supply, and communication.

The return of Ukraine to cities and communities means the true return of life. I believe that such a return will also take place in Southern Ukraine and Eastern Ukraine. In all regions where under Russia's banner they brought degradation, destruction, and death.

But this depends on how united we are against Russian aggression. Once again, I emphasize: wherever possible, everyone must resist occupation. Ignore occupiers. Do not collaborate with them. Do not help them. Eliminate collaborators.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine brilliantly fulfill their tasks. Intelligence, National Guard, territorial defense, police, border guards—all are working for victory at 100%. But everyone must also work towards victory in whatever they do and wherever they are.

If you're abroad—support Ukraine. If you engage in regular economic activity—do everything to benefit Ukraine as much as possible. If you find yourself on temporarily occupied territory—try to cause the occupiers as many problems as possible. The Armed Forces of Ukraine is our foundation. But this foundation must always be fortified by the fortress of national unity. Unity of all Ukrainians who fight for life and against death. Against Russian aggression.

Traditionally, I signed a decree awarding our heroes in the evening. State awards were conferred upon 48 defenders of Ukraine. For bravery in combat actions, exemplary fulfillment of military duty.

Eternal glory to all who defend the state!

Eternal memory to every one who died for Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!»