President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the need to increase defensive aid for our country and the role of Great Britain in defending freedom.

"I wish good health, dear Ukrainians!

Today, the main topic in our country is a British one — Boris Johnson's decision to leave his party leadership and premiership position. I spoke with him today and thanked him for the support we have received since the first day of Russian terror.

Firstly, this is weapons: air defense systems such as "Stingers," powerful anti-tank systems like NLAW, artillery, ammunition, armored vehicles, and much more. Significant political support, strong sanctions against Russia, financial aid to our country — over two billion pounds have been allocated since February 24 for security and defense needs alone.

The role of Britain in defending freedom is truly global. While this reflects the position of British society, leadership and charisma still hold special significance at any time, especially during a full-scale anti-European war initiated by Russia from our country. That's why Ukrainians feel personal gratitude towards Boris.

However, we must not forget that relations are built between states. Britain’s support for Ukraine will not change regardless of what happens in London — both Boris and all our friends in the United Kingdom assured me of this. Today I met with representatives of the US Congress in Kyiv — senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal. They represent both parties, Republican and Democratic, and both strongly support Ukraine. It was they who authored a resolution calling on the State Department to recognize Russia as a sponsor of terrorism. I thanked them for their activity and hope it will lead to results.

I informed the senators about the situation at the front lines and what occupiers are preparing for. Specifically, this concerned Donbas, southern Ukraine, and Kharkiv region. Today Russian troops again struck Kramatorsk with rockets — they also shelled Kharkiv, cities in Donbas...

Our partners have precise information about our defense needs from every direction. This includes air defense systems and modern rocket artillery. The more defensive aid Ukraine receives now, the sooner we will win this war with fewer losses for all countries around the world, including the United States under Russian pressure on democratic societies. Tomorrow I will continue a series of addresses to European parliaments — Slovenia is next in line. There will also be many internal Ukrainian news tomorrow — it's going to be a very eventful day.

After completing the Lugano conference dedicated to rebuilding Ukraine, officials already have agreements on urgent aid for our country amounting to over $2 billion — these funds will be directed towards strengthening the budget and preparing for winter. By the way, an important support both now and during the heating season is the export of Ukrainian electricity to EU countries, which has already begun. The price of electricity on the European market is higher than in Ukraine, allowing energy companies to use earned revenues to supply Ukrainian consumers at unchanged tariffs.

Officials are also actively working on logistics for agricultural exports and heard today about this from the Minister of Infrastructure and the Minister of Agrarian Policy. We will do everything possible to maintain access to the world market despite Russia's blockade of our ports.

Also, I would like to thank everyone involved in the final stage of fighting for Zmiinyi Island — there our national flag is now raised. This operation lasted two months. Intelligence services, Special Operations Forces, SBU "Alphavets," border guards, artillerymen, Naval and Air Forces. And let every Russian captain — whether of a ship or an aircraft — see the Ukrainian flag on Zmiinyi Island and know that our country cannot be broken.

Thank you to everyone who defends Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!"