President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, emphasizing the inevitable responsibility of those who issue and carry out criminal orders in the war against our country and outlining the economic situation in the state.

"Unbreakable people of the most courageous country!

All our defenders and defenderesses!

Today's, already 85th day of our defense will be remembered.

I am grateful to the United States for approving a new package of support for Ukraine and democracy in our region amounting to $40 billion. Today this package was voted on by the US Senate. This is an expression of strong leadership and a necessary contribution to our joint defense of freedom.

Also, a meeting of finance ministers and central bank leaders of the "Big Seven" and representatives of international donors took place in Germany.

I always say very straightforwardly: the monthly budget deficit in Ukraine now is $5 billion. And to stand up for freedom in war, we need quick and sufficient financial support.

And this is not just expenses or a gift for partners. It's their contribution to their own security.

Because the defense of Ukraine means their protection from new wars and crises that Russia might provoke. Perhaps, if it succeeds in war against Ukraine. And so we all together must ensure there is no success for Russia in aggression against our country. Neither military nor economic nor any other.

I spoke today with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Personally thanked her for macro-financial assistance amounting to 9 billion euros, this package was proposed a day before.

Also spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. On economic issues, including the export of our agricultural products and import of fuel. As well as on the situation in combat zones and evacuation from "Azovstal" of our heroes. I am doing everything to inform the most influential international forces and involve them as much as possible in rescuing our troops.

Addressed students of Ukrainian universities. And this was a special address.

I hope it will be heard not only by students. Because now is the time when we can build such a future for Ukraine as we truly want. Our future, purely Ukrainian. Without any outdated and toxic things that have nothing to do with our national needs and character. Ukraine has become the master of its own life and must determine how to live.

In total, today's conversation involved students from 25 Ukrainian universities. The geography is quite wide: Kyiv, Bila Tserkva, Mariupol, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Lviv, Kryvyi Rih, Donetsk, Kherson, Ivano-Frankivsk, Gorlivka, Dnipro.

Not all universities are operating in their cities. Some have been relocated. But what was pleasant and right - students and rectors are confident that Ukraine will win and restore free life on the entire territory.

There were also important current issues. First, I instructed the Minister of Education to prepare such changes that would allow applicants from all temporarily occupied territories to enter Ukrainian higher education institutions in a simplified manner.

Secondly, I instructed the minister as well to resolve how to ensure the education of those students who are on contract basis but come from currently occupied territories. Clearly, it's difficult to pay for contracts under these conditions. The state should help. So I expect appropriate decisions from the Minister, government and if necessary, national deputies.

We talked with students about post-war reconstruction and how to guarantee security for our country for decades ahead.

Ukrainian Armed Forces continue advancing in the liberation of Kharkiv region. But on Donbas, occupiers are trying to increase pressure even more. There is fierce fighting there, and this is no exaggeration.

The ruthless and absolutely senseless bombing of Severodonetsk... There were 12 deaths in one day alone, dozens injured. Bombardments and shelling of other Ukrainian cities, air and missile strikes by the Russian army - all this is not just military actions during war.

Russian attacks on Chernihiv region, including a terrible strike on Desna, where debris clearance is ongoing, many dead; constant attacks on Odesa region, central Ukrainian cities, completely devastated Donbas — all this has no and cannot have any military explanation for Russia.

This is a conscious and criminal attempt to kill as many Ukrainians as possible. To destroy as many residential buildings, social facilities, enterprises.

This will receive the qualification of genocide against the Ukrainian people and occupiers will definitely stand trial for it.

The first judicial process in Ukraine against a Russian war criminal has already begun. And this will end with full restoration of justice within an international tribunal. I am confident about this.

We will find and hold accountable all those who issue and carry out criminal orders.

Signed decrees today to honor our heroes. 210 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were awarded state honors, including 48 posthumously. The title of Hero of Ukraine was bestowed on Captain Serhiy Parhomenko, commander of the aviation squadron of the 299th tactical aviation brigade, posthumously.

Eternal glory to all who gave their lives for Ukraine!

Glory to every one and each who fights for independence!

Glory to Ukraine!»