President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, informing about an agreement regarding the unblocking of Ukrainian ports and the resumption of agricultural exports, as well as an upcoming summit dedicated to post-war reconstruction of our state.

"Ukrainians! Ukrainians,

All our defenders!

Today, our country and the entire civilized world have achieved an important agreement — there is an agreement that allows us to unblock Ukrainian ports and resume Ukrainian agricultural exports.

Since the first day of Russia's full-scale invasion, it has done everything possible not only to deny Ukraine access to the sea but also to destroy our export potential — port infrastructure, railways, warehouses, and elevators. We did not allow this.

Now we can not only resume operations at our ports on the Black Sea but also maintain necessary protection for them. This has been worked out with our military and intelligence services. The military assured me of full control over approaches to our ports.

For a long time, all details of today's initiative signed in Istanbul were discussed with our key international partners and the United Nations. Many leaders were involved in efforts to restore our maritime exports. And I am grateful to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Turkish President Erdoğan for their efforts.

The text of today's signed document has been published, and everyone can familiarize themselves with its provisions. They fully meet Ukraine's interests.

Firstly, nearly 20 million tons of last year's grain harvest will go to export. This year's harvest — which is already being gathered — can also be realized. These are farmers' incomes, the entire agricultural sector's revenues and state budget income. These are jobs. These are funds for next year's sowing.

We currently have grain worth approximately $10 billion in stock.

Secondly, there is now a chance to reduce the severity of the food crisis triggered by Russia. There is a chance to prevent a global catastrophe — famine that could lead to political chaos in many countries around the world, including those helping us.

And thirdly, this is another demonstration that Ukraine can withstand this war. It is important that in territorial waters of Ukraine everything will be controlled by our state.

And it is clear to everyone that from Russia's side there may be some provocations, attempts to discredit Ukrainian and international efforts. But we trust the UN. Now it is their responsibility and that of our international partners — to ensure compliance with agreements.

I want to thank all our soldiers who cleared Zmiinyi Island from the enemy, are defending Odessa and Mykolaiv, gradually advancing in Kherson Oblast, liberating our territory. I thank each one for proving every day that Russia is not winning this war.

We are preparing to start tomorrow's second Kyiv summit of first ladies and gentlemen. This initiative by the First Lady of Ukraine was established last year and has shown that it can direct the soft power of women and men leaders towards solving national and global issues.

This year's summit will be dedicated to the theme of post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. And this is not just about rebuilding. It is about returning people, i.e., about internally displaced persons who should not become refugees. About all necessary help and rehabilitation for those affected by war. And about the revival of social life in communities and cities that were destroyed by occupiers.

In particular, within the summit and based on our state charity platform United24, fundraising has already begun for special reanimation vehicles for Ukraine.

I will not reveal everything prepared by the First Lady of Ukraine and her team now, but I feel that this will be a powerful diplomatic event.

Today, I spoke with a great friend of Ukraine, Boris Johnson. Mainly about security and military cooperation. We are expecting a new package of military support.

Relations between Ukraine and the UK are built on shared values. And no matter what happens in politics, ties between our countries and societies will only strengthen.

This evening, I signed another decree awarding our soldiers. 180 participants of combat operations were honored with state awards, including 100 posthumously.

Eternal glory to all who gave their lives for the independence of Ukraine!

Eternal glory to all who fight for our country!

Glory to Ukraine!"