President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about our contribution to the development of collective security in Europe and further defense cooperation with all partners and allies.

"I wish good health, dear Ukrainians!

Today I want to highlight one decision that looks like a technical matter but behind it lies much symbolism and very meaningful political work. Ukraine has become an associated member of NATO's special multilateral program on technological interoperability. If put simply, this is about alliance standards. Ukraine now not only adopts NATO standards but also can participate in the development of new ones.

The experience of our military, the capabilities of Ukrainian institutions, and IT potential of our country — all this will now be a Ukrainian contribution to the development of collective security in Europe.

And when does this happen? On the 139th day of full-scale war that Russia planned to destroy us within a week. And the Ukrainian state not only stands its ground, not only defends itself but also develops and will help partners develop. Such achievements are worth celebrating.

Every day we receive and experience many painful news. The war continues, Russian shelling does not stop for a single day. Today there were new strikes on Mykolaiv — with rockets and artillery. Occupants hit Kharkiv again and the region's towns — Starobilsk, Zolochiv, Bayrak, and others. There are casualties — wounded and killed. In Donbas, attempts at breakthroughs do not stop, the situation there does not become easier, and losses are not fewer. We must remember this. We must see it, pay attention.

And just as we must remember that even under such conditions, the state takes steps forward — in cooperation with partners — in institutional development. And, of course, — at the forefront.

Occupants have already felt what modern artillery is and they will not have a safe rear anywhere on our land that they occupied. They have felt that operations of our scouts for protecting their homeland are orders of magnitude stronger than any of their so-called 'special operations'. Russian soldiers — and we know this from intercepts of their conversations — openly fear Ukrainian forces.

139 days of such war, almost 20 weeks... The so-called second army in the world fears Ukrainians and is capable of doing anything only based on bottomless reserves of old Soviet weapons.

There's no longer any strategic power, character, or understanding in them as to why they are here at all, on our land. There's also not a shred of courage to admit defeat and withdraw their troops from Ukrainian territory.

Today in Kyiv I held talks with Mariusz Błaszczak — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Poland. And he brought us 'Krab' systems — those that powerfully threaten our enemy with fire.

Of course, the key topic of our talks was further defense cooperation. But important is not only what we talked about but also how we talked. Absolutely confident in Ukraine's future. In Ukraine's European future.

The same happens with all my other meetings. This always feels evident.

Ahead lies a truly difficult path. Sadly, it cannot be otherwise when defending your home from terrorist aggression. But also clear is that ahead lies the success of our state. Ukraine will be able to defend itself. Ukraine will be able to rebuild. Ukraine will be able to realize all its foreign policy goals.

When millions of people work sincerely for this — each and every one at their level, — the result is inevitable.

And I somehow rarely thanked ordinary people who work in Ukraine. Who remain here regardless of anything. Who do their job every day. With faith in Ukraine, with faith in victory. Now I want to thank all of you. Thank you for being here. Thank you for being in Ukraine.

In the evening, as always, I signed a decree on awarding our heroes. 156 soldiers were honored with state awards. 56 of them — posthumously.

Eternal glory to all who gave their lives for Ukraine!

Eternal glory to all who fight for the future of our people!

Glory to Ukraine!"