President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the necessity of supplying anti-missile systems to our country and the situation in the east and south of the country.

"Ukrainians! Ukrainian women!

All our defenders!

Today, our anti-air defense managed to "clip the wings" of Russian missiles. Part of the rockets that occupiers were aiming at our cities was shot down. And this is saved lives. This is saved infrastructure.

But only a part was shot down. Sadly, there are casualties and destructions. Today, strikes hit Lviv and Ternopil regions. And we keep repeating to our partners that Ukraine needs modern anti-missile weapons. Our country does not yet have them at the necessary level, but in our country right now - there is the greatest need for such weapons in Europe. Delaying their provision cannot be justified. I will constantly emphasize this when speaking with our partners.

We made the first requests for anti-missile systems long before the full-scale invasion. And this week, there will be many important negotiations - not only with European politicians to provide Ukraine with modern anti-missile systems. Even despite the fact that Russia has fewer and fewer modern missiles every day of war, Ukraine's need for such systems remains. Because even in Russia, there is still enough of Soviet types of missiles which are even more dangerous. They are much less accurate, thus they pose a much greater threat to civilian objects and ordinary residential buildings.

I spoke today with the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau. Of course, the number one topic was defense support. Canada is among leaders in this regard. I thanked them for being the first country to transfer special assistance to Ukraine's IMF account - nearly 800 million dollars.

Also had a conversation with the President of Ecuador. Congratulated him on Ecuador becoming a member of the UN Security Council. Informed about the current situation at the front and called for increasing pressure on Russia to end this war. And today's talk with the President of Ecuador, as well as yesterday's talk with the President of Guatemala, are only the beginning of our new policy regarding restoring relations with Latin America.

Asked today the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces to take very seriously reports in media and social networks about insufficient individual protective equipment for some of our fighters. Reports I receive differ significantly from what is discussed in society. And I expect a logistics check in the army - checking what is supplied, and how individual protective equipment is distributed. As of today, everyone who is in combat zones should have everything necessary for protection. The state ensures such supply.

Over the past day, there were no major changes in the battle on Donbas. The most fierce battles are still in Severodonetsk and all towns and villages around - as before. Losses, sadly, painful. But we need to hold on. Holding there, on Donbas, is vital. The more losses the enemy suffers there, the fewer forces they will have to continue aggression. Therefore, the Donbas direction is key for determining who will dominate in the coming weeks.

We also suffer painful losses in Kharkiv region where Russian army tries to strengthen its positions. Battles along this front are ongoing and we need to fight even harder for full security of Kharkiv and the region.

We continue putting pressure on occupiers in the south of the country. The key goal - liberating Kherson, and we will move towards it step by step.

Signed another decree to honor those who distinguished themselves in battles. State awards were given to 63 military servicemen - for bravery and effectiveness in defending the state.

The total number of honored with awards is already 18,453. Such scale, such amount of feats demonstrate the level of resistance and the harshness of combat actions.

I thank everyone who stood up for our country!

Eternal memory to every one whose life was taken by occupiers!

Glory to Ukraine!"