President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, informing about the efforts of our country's representatives to obtain effective air defense systems and work on the seventh sanctions package by the European Union.

"Ukrainians! Ukrainian women!

All our defenders and defenders!

I am confident that you saw how effective the weapons provided by partners are, especially modern multiple rocket launch systems. The name HIMARS has become almost familiar to our people — just as Javelin or NLAW were once familiar, as "Stugna" or "Neptune."

And clearly, the next such significant name will appear with modern air defense systems that we are requesting from partners. Representatives of our country have not stopped working a single day to obtain effective air defense. And we have certain agreements about this, there are certain successes that allow us to destroy part of the missiles, but we need an entirely different speed and scale of protection.

But everything depends, unfortunately, not on us, but on political decisions that can be made in key capitals. And that is why the topic of air defense has become a key one today in First Lady Ukraine's address to Congress of the United States of America. This was unprecedented in history when the first lady makes such an address to Congress, and undoubtedly it is an honor for Ukraine, for all our people.

The speech was maximally practical and sincere — factually on behalf of all our families. Olena spoke about the victims of Russian terror and about the real possibility for our American friends to help us stop this terror. This can be our joint victory — of the Ukrainian and American people.

I hope that answers to our requests will not be delayed. Russian terror must lose.

Discussed today strengthening pressure on Russia for the war and additional support for Ukraine during meetings with Austria's and Czech Republic's foreign ministers, who visited Kyiv. Thanked both countries for their already provided assistance and outlined what needs are there for the near future.

The Czech Republic holds the presidency in the European Union, so it is important that Czech leadership maintains all available power. In these six months, we need to make basic steps to prepare for the start of negotiations regarding Ukraine's EU membership.

Also spoke with President of the European Council Charles Michel. Among main topics — financial support for Ukraine. Preparing for the next summit between Ukraine and the EU, as well as institutional strengthening of our country on its way to the European Union. Important news may soon be coming about this — preparing some historic decisions for our participation in the life of united Europe.

At final stage of approval — seventh sanctions package by the European Union. Already announced its elements, including a ban on importing Russian gold. But that is not enough, and I openly say this to partners. Russia must feel much higher costs for the war so that it seeks peace.

And now it's also worth looking at what is happening in the European energy market. We see how wrong was the policy of some old leaders of European countries, who made Europe a hostage to Russian gas supply. And as long as the EU does not dare to include gas in sanctions packages, Russia uses gas for its own sanctions against every European family, literally hitting at the budgets of Europeans through pressure on energy markets.

Ukraine has always said that Russia cannot be seen as a reliable gas supplier. And if our position had been heard earlier, there would not have to be now looking for emergency ways to fill the deficit that Russia artificially creates in Europe's market.

When we turn to our partners with one request or another, with this or that advice or demand, it is based on Ukraine’s experience — what we have already gone through. Russia tests everything against Ukraine that can be used against other European countries as well. It started with gas wars and ended in full-scale invasion, missile terror, and burned cities of Ukraine. And to prevent this from happening again with anyone else, we need to ensure a significant joint victory over Russia in Ukraine. The sooner this is done, the fewer casualties and suffering will be endured by all European families, all European countries.

Therefore, after approving the seventh sanctions package, it's necessary to immediately start working on the eighth one. Therefore, we need to increase the supply of modern weapons to Ukraine, ensure our country with effective air defense.

Let us do everything so that this understanding is in our partners and never weakens.

I am grateful to everyone who helps Ukrainians on their way to victory!

Grateful to all who defend our country!

Glory to Ukraine!"