President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the Eurointegration of our country and the visit of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson.

"Ukrainians!

All our defenders and defenders-in-waiting!

Now we are just one step away from the beginning of full integration with the European Union. We have a positive conclusion from the European Commission regarding Ukraine's candidate status. And this is an historic achievement for all those who work for our country. We now await the decision of the European Council next week. And I believe that Ukraine has done everything possible to make even this step positive — the decision by the European Council, that is, the leaders of EU countries.

Ukraine deserves this positivity. Ukrainian values are European values. Ukrainian institutions maintain stability even in wartime conditions. Ukrainian democratic practices have not lost their strength even now. And our rapprochement with the European Union — this is not only positive for us. It is the greatest contribution to Europe's future in many years.

I will remind you of just one thing right now: after February 24, our country joined the European energy system. Our networks — Ukraine and the EU — are synchronized despite a full-scale war. That is, even in this fact alone, we can see everything at once — both the professionalism of our people, the strength of our institutions, our ability to fulfill promises, and the magnitude of Ukrainian potential.

And I want to emphasize that Eurointegration of Ukraine is not something purely political, not something detached from the lives of ordinary people. On the contrary. The closer we are to other European countries, the more opportunities there will be for us to guarantee a modern and secure life for all Ukrainians.

I spoke today with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. I thanked her and all members of the European Commission for their leadership and today's decision. Also, I spoke with President of the European Council Charles Michel. We are coordinating our steps. And I am grateful to Charles for his understanding of the historical significance of these processes both for Ukraine and for Europe’s future.

Today, I will speak with Prime Minister Rutte of the Netherlands. Every opportunity I use in the interests of Ukraine.

During yesterday's visit to Kyiv by leaders from France, Germany, Romania and Italy, it was clear how vast opportunities are opening up for our country and all Europeans if we continue to work together. And today this understanding has become even clearer. European strength, independence, and development can only be truly powerful with Ukraine.

Incidentally, the way history chooses its time for important decisions is interesting: The Ukrainian government today rescinded the visa-free agreement with the Russian Federation. From July 1st, a visa regime will apply. It's hard to overestimate the symbolism of this happening on this day. But no one planned it specially. This is just how history unfolds. Russia itself has done everything to ruin any ties with Ukraine. And we are doing everything to make our connections with Europe as strong as possible.

Today Boris Johnson visited Kyiv. This is the second visit by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to our capital since February 24th.

The talks were positive. We discussed the situation on the front lines and how we can achieve victory. I am grateful to Boris for his leadership in supporting Ukraine, especially with weapons. Grateful also that we share an understanding of the need for unconditional defense of our country. We talked about security guarantees for Ukraine. When we define the parameters of these guarantees, they will determine the future of Ukrainians and all Europeans for generations.

Overall, this week has been maximally beneficial for Ukraine — on many fronts. And today I also want to thank President Biden of the USA for the fact that American support for Ukraine is strengthening weekly. This week we have significant results on the front lines — thanks to US support.

I just signed new decrees awarding our heroes. 413 participants in combat operations were awarded state honors, 29 of them posthumously.

And finally. I can already announce this today: we managed to free "Tayra," Ukrainian paramedic Yuliya Piyevska from captivity. I am grateful to everyone who worked on this result. "Tayra" is home now. We will continue working to bring back all of our people.

Eternal glory to all those who stood up for the defense of our independence and freedom!

Eternal memory to all those who died for Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine!"