President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the necessity of applying the principle of prevention in preparing for any state's aggression and about the implementation of the grain export initiative.

"Ukrainians! Ukrainian women!

These days recall Russia's war against Georgia in 2008. Many discussions about the preconditions for that war, its consequences. About how the refusal to provide Ukraine and Georgia with a Membership Action Plan at that time increased the boldness of Russian leadership. But still, that past war is not yet history, has not fully receded into the past. Therefore, it's necessary to speak not only about what was but also about what can be done.

Then challenges are very relevant today. Not just because the threat of further Russian aggression in this part of the Caucasus still exists, even if it is currently frozen. Only now has the world begun to recognize the need for real effective instruments to prevent such aggressions and hold any aggressor accountable.

2008, 2014, 2022 — wars that began in these years had different scales and characteristics but one sense of what happened: regional and global security mechanisms did not work.

That's why the principle of prevention is so important in international relations, which we insisted on long before February 24. If it becomes clear that a state is preparing for aggression — unjustified, unprovoked, illegal — then the world's response to its preparation must be as if an aggression has already occurred. We need to act to prevent war rather than wait for blows and casualties.

After this Russian war against Ukraine, there should be no lingering or frozen conflicts left. This is a crucial conclusion. Ukraine needs to reclaim everything that Russia temporarily occupied, and the aggressor state must be punished for the crime of aggression. And this is important not only for justice.

Only an obvious defeat of the aggressor, its loss of all it has seized, and its international legal responsibility for aggression are deterrents against any war.

This is precisely what our diplomats, office, government officials, and everyone involved in organizing a global political, economic, and legal response to Russian aggression are working on. By defending our country, we automatically defend all those who have already been threatened or may still be threatened by the state-terrorist.

And of course, the greatest contribution is being made now by the military — all Ukrainian heroes breaking the Russian terrorist machine on the battlefield.

I especially want to thank today Ukraine's air defense forces "Center" and "South" command for successfully shooting down Russian missiles launched from the Black Sea this morning. Four Kalibr missiles shot down — dozens of lives saved. It was also possible to shoot down part of the rockets that Russian terrorists fired at Ukraine during the day and in the evening.

Yes, our military means are still not enough to guarantee shooting down all Russian missiles. And we will do everything to ensure such means appear in our country. But even now, the skill of our heroes allows us to partially reduce the Russian terrorist threat. Thankful to everyone who makes this possible!

Actively informing the world about Russia's nuclear blackmail — shelling and mining of Zaporizhzhia NPP facilities. There are already appropriate reactions from the international community. But we need to speed up actions in response. Russia will not heed words or concerns. New sanctions against the state-terrorist and the entire Russian atomic industry for creating a threat of nuclear catastrophe are needed. The world must not forget about Chernobyl and remember that Zaporizhzhia NPP is the largest in Europe. The Chernobyl disaster was an explosion in one reactor, while Zaporizhzhia NPP has six power units.

Conducted talks with the President of Botswana — first in the history of our bilateral relations. Discussed cooperation at the UN and other international organizations, thanked for condemning Russian aggression. Assured Mr. President that Ukraine is ready and will continue to be a guarantor of global food security.

The implementation of the grain export initiative continues — today for the first time since February 24, a loaded ship has departed from the "South" port. Currently, there are all chances to ensure the regularity of such exports. But key is how our partners can prevent any attempts by Russia to disrupt the export and once again exacerbate the global food crisis.

And I want to remind everyone involved in agriculture, port workers, those engaged in related industries, and all who comment on this that maritime exports were successfully restored thanks primarily to our warriors who defended the relevant sea area: our reconnaissance, special forces of the Special Operations Forces and "Alphas" of SBU, artillerymen, Naval Forces, Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, border guards, and our entire heroic army defending the country.

Today announced a new package of American support for Ukraine worth a billion dollars. This includes, among other things, missiles for "HIMARS," ammunition for artillery, and many other truly useful items. Thank you to President Biden and all the people of the United States for this support, 100% of which we use to defend freedom, our shared freedom.

Signed a new decree on rewarding participants in combat actions. 183 of our defenders have been awarded state awards, four posthumously.

Eternal glory to all who gave their lives for Ukraine!

Thank you to everyone fighting for the country!

Glory to Ukraine!"