President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the latest missile strikes by occupiers on our cities and villages and about further efforts on the international stage.

"Ukrainians! Ukrainian women!

Our defenders, defenderesses!

The 83rd day of our defense began with a fairly serious combination of Russian attacks on Ukraine. Missile strikes in the Lviv region, Sumy region, Chernihiv region. Air raids in the Luhansk region. Specific sabotage activity in border areas of Ukraine.

All this is not just creating tension for our state, not just testing our strength. It's a kind of attempt to compensate for Russia’s army failures on the eastern and southern fronts of our country.

They cannot demonstrate success with conventional military actions in those directions where they are trying to advance. And so they try to show success at the expense of their missiles and other activities. But also unsuccessfully.

These strikes, like many previous ones, change nothing fundamentally. Especially since our air defense and anti-sabotage measures are becoming increasingly stronger.

Spoke today with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Quite productively. Mainly about defensive support for Ukraine, our cooperation at the EU level. Informed about the current situation on the battlefield and about the possible development of this situation.

Had a conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron. Substantive and lengthy. Discussed the sixth package of sanctions being prepared in the EU. The negotiation process with Russia and the evacuation of our heroes from 'Azovstal'. The evacuation mission is ongoing, it's being coordinated by our military and intelligence officers, involving the most influential international mediators.

Also separately and substantively talked to President Macron about our EU integration steps and the consideration of Ukraine’s application for candidate status for EU membership.

Continuing to gather as large an international audience for Ukraine as possible. So that our country is supported at all levels. And so that pressure is applied on Russia at all levels.

Informational, diplomatic, and also cultural pressure — this is what we need. So that, just like in the times of World War II, the fight for freedom can rely not only on military strength but also on the power of art.

Therefore, today during the opening ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival, I addressed the world cinematographic community. And reminded them that now, just as in the 1940s, it is necessary to boldly and openly defend freedom and fight against dictatorship. This is exactly the time for this. When the language of cinema can and should become the language of fighting for freedom.

Signed decrees today awarding our heroes. 165 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were awarded state honors, including 13 posthumously.

The title of Hero of Ukraine was conferred on three servicemen of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade. Those who showed extraordinary bravery and effectiveness in battles on the Donbas front.

Today I bid farewell to the first President of Ukraine, Leonid Makarovych Kravchuk. The ceremony took place in Kyiv. In Kyiv, which will remain Ukrainian. The capital of an independent state. Since 1991 and forever.

Eternal glory to all who stood up for the defense of Ukraine!

Eternal memory to every one who fought for independence!

Glory to Ukraine!"