President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about a key issue in our defense against the Russian aggressor and about the inevitable responsibility for helping occupiers in temporarily occupied areas.

"I wish you good health, dear Ukrainians!

Today is Air Forces Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and I would like to once again congratulate all military pilots and not only them — all defenders of our sky.

We are proud of you and wish you so many victories that Russian soldiers will simply fear even the thought of our Ukrainian sky.

This morning, I greeted the fighters and commanders of the air forces, presented state awards to the best warriors.

I awarded orders "Golden Star" to the families of Heroes of Ukraine who died — Lieutenant Colonel Eduard Vagorovsky and Major Dmitry Koliomytia. They gave their lives saving comrades and defending our country. Eternal memory and gratitude to the heroes!

Today I spoke with President of the European Council Charles Michel. I informed him about the situation on the battlefield, about the threat that Russia has created by striking at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. There is no nation in the world that can feel safe when a state-terrorist shatters an atomic power station. God forbid something goes wrong — and no one will stop the wind that would spread radioactive contamination. Therefore, a principled response from the international community to these Russian strikes on the Zaporizhzhia AES — the largest in Europe — is needed right now.

The situation in Donbas remains very difficult. Our army does everything possible to stop the Russian terror and inflict maximum losses on occupiers. Avdiivka, Pisky, Mariinka, Bakhmutsky and other hot spots in Donetsk region are taking up major efforts and, unfortunately, many lives.

It is also difficult in Kharkivshchyna, in the south of our country, where occupiers are trying to concentrate their forces.

The key now, as before, — this is weapons for our defense, weapons from partners. Every day and without any breaks we work on strengthening weapon supplies, so that more powerful long-range systems can be sent to the front line.

And next week we expect news from partners regarding support packages. Good news.

During this summer period, there are increasingly more reports about occupiers preparing for pseudo-referendums in areas they occupy in the south of our country. I want to say a very simple thing: anyone who will help occupiers implement their plan in any way whatsoever will be held accountable. They will be held accountable before Ukraine.

Our state's position remains as it was before: we will not give up anything of our own, and if the occupiers go down the path of these pseudo-referendums, they will close off any possibility for negotiations with Ukraine and the free world — which Russia itself will undoubtedly need at a certain moment.

Next week I will continue the practice of political appeals to representatives of partner states and peoples who are together with us defending freedom. Also scheduled is a series of important talks — not only with current politicians.

Ukraine, as before, will do everything so that our struggle and Ukrainian needs are known in all countries around the world and in all audiences — even those who usually don't pay attention to political life.

In particular, today Jessica Chastain — an American actress — arrived in Kyiv. She visited "Oxmatdit", saw with her own eyes the consequences of Russian occupation in Irpin, Kyiv region.

Her story about our war will surely be heard. We are preparing a significant humanitarian action.

And I am grateful to all friends of Ukraine beyond borders and everyone who helps expand our connections around the world.

We do everything for victory, everything for the defense of our country.

I wish us a productive new week!

Glory to our warriors!

Glory to Ukraine!»