President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the necessity to adopt a sixth package of sanctions against Russia and block the country's banking sector.

"Ukrainians! Ukrainian women!

All our defenders and defenders!

Exactly eight years ago, on May 26, Donetsk airport ceased operations. The message about this still remains: "Attention! From 7 a.m., Donetsk airport temporarily suspends flight services. Additional information regarding the resumption of airport operations will be provided."

That day, no one could have imagined how events would unfold in Donbas over these years. And then—after Russia's full-scale invasion—the entire Ukraine. No one foresaw how long the word "temporarily" in this announcement about the airport closure would last.

But on that day, and every day since, we can confidently say two things.

First. Ukraine will always be an independent state, and it cannot be broken. The question is only what price our people will have to pay for their freedom, and Russia—what price for this futile war against us.

And second. Catastrophic developments could have been halted if the world had treated Ukraine's situation as its own. If those in power hadn't played games with Russia but actually pressed for an end to the war.

Just look at the situation now. How many weeks has the European Union tried to agree on a sixth package of sanctions against Russia? Meanwhile, it receives almost a billion euros daily from Europeans for energy resources.

Of course, I am grateful to our friends who are pushing forward new sanctions. But where does all this power come from in those who block the sixth package? Why do they still have so much power, especially within internal European procedures?

How many weeks has the world hesitated to block Russia's banking system—every bank without exception—to deprive the aggressor of the ability to finance not only its war against us but also policies that sow division and crises everywhere in the world.

How long have we been fighting for Ukraine to receive all the weapons it needs to change the nature of the battles and start moving faster and more confidently towards expelling the occupiers. All the weapons, including MLRS systems. With those systems that are truly necessary to stop this aggression. We believe our efforts will eventually be heard.

Since May 26, 2014, and especially since February 24 of this year, there have been countless opportunities for those who actually have the power to put an end to it and say: now Russia will truly feel the full price for what it is doing against Ukraine, against European unity, and against freedom itself.

The current offensive by occupiers in Donbas may make this region uninhabitable. They want to turn Popasna, Bakhmut, Lyman, Lysychansk, Severodonetsk into ruins. Like Volnovakha, like Mariupol. In cities and communities closer to the Russian border, in Donetsk and Luhansk, they are gathering everyone they can to fill the places of those killed and wounded in the occupation forces. All this, including deportations of our people and mass killings of civilians, — is a clear policy of genocide that Russia is carrying out.

Today, once again, Kharkiv was shelled by occupiers. So far, nine people are listed as killed. 19 wounded. All peaceful residents. A child (five months old) and father were killed. The mother is in critical condition. Among the injured in Kharkiv is also a girl of nine years.

Once again, rocket attacks—Sumy region, once again Donbas. Once again significant activity by occupiers' artillery in Zaporizhzhia oblast. Once again their attempts to gain ground in the south of the country.

Pressing Russia is literally a matter of saving lives. And every day of delay, weakness, various disputes or proposals to "pacify" the aggressor at the expense of victims—this means new dead Ukrainians. And this means new threats for everyone on our continent.

I addressed parliament and the people of Latvia today. Thanked them for the help Ukraine received, especially in defense. And for the support that Latvia's state and people are providing now. If there were such resolve everywhere to defend our common freedom as there is in Latvia and other partners who do not hesitate, much of the evil Russia has inflicted on Ukraine, Europe, and the world would simply not exist.

Today I spoke with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Informed him about the situation at the front, about increased activity by occupiers. Discussed how we can adequately strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend itself and repel these attacks.

Signed a new decree on awarding our heroes. 180 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were honored with state awards, including 28 posthumously. The total number of those awarded as of today is already over 16 thousand. To be precise—16 thousand 44. In just 92 days. But it's clear that there are hundreds and hundreds more feats and achievements by our defenders.

I am grateful to everyone who holds the defense line. Who helps the army and all our defenders.

And finally. Usually around this time in May, we celebrate the last school bell and congratulate boys and girls on starting a new stage of life. To be honest, a brighter stage than childhood. Because opportunities appear in life. Adult opportunities. But at the same time, childhood is not yet over.

This year in Ukraine, we do not have our traditional school celebration. And this is understandable. Such times. Such a situation. Not all schools in Ukraine are finishing classes this spring. And not all graduates are currently on Ukrainian territory.

But what remains unchanged—no matter what the time and no matter what the situation—is that we must not lose our opportunities. We must fight. We must develop. We must defend our freedom and know how to use it.

Therefore, we need to be enlightened and brave. Not waste a single day of life. Know why you are living each day. And definitely believe in Ukraine. Because here is where Ukrainians have the most chances for success—especially after our victory. Which we will definitely achieve. And definitely remove the phrase "temporarily occupied" about our land, which will become permanently liberated. No matter how difficult it may be.

Eternal glory to all who stood up to defend Ukraine!

Eternal memory to each and every one whose life was taken by the occupiers.

Glory to Ukraine!">