President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the movement of our state towards full membership in the EU and the decisive importance of support for the country with weapons, ammunition, and finances.

"I wish you good health, dear Ukrainians!

Today in Kyiv on Heroic Avenue a new plaque was unveiled dedicated to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. It was truly an honor for me and simply pleasant personally to participate in this unveiling, in such an honoring of the courage of Mrs. Ursula. She is one of the central figures in European policy regarding Ukraine, she is one of those thanks to whom European space and values are now really being defended.

Mrs. Ursula has already visited our country for the third time since February 24th. And each time her visits open a new stage in the rapprochement between Ukraine and the EU. We discussed all key points of our relations. But now I want to particularly highlight the integration question, the movement of our state towards full membership in the EU.

No matter what circumstances are, we will still implement every detail of our agreements to open up possibilities for accession negotiations. By November we have to complete seven recommendations from the European Commission that we received when obtaining candidate status. The evaluation by the European Commission of our progress in integration should start as soon as possible. And next year we need to clarify the main question: when will we be able to start accession talks? From Ukraine's side, everything will be done for this. And as elements of rapprochement, we consider such things as the EU internal market regime for Ukraine, the merging of our institutional work, for example at customs – into a common customs control between Ukraine and EU countries. We are already working towards this.

Today I thanked Mrs. Ursula for the support that has already been provided – macro-financial, sanctions-based, military. We also discussed cooperation in energy, which is extremely important both for Ukraine and each country of the EU ahead of this winter, which Russia will try to use against all of us in Europe.

I informed her about a new and particularly despicable tactic by Russian terrorists – strikes on energy and hydroelectric infrastructure. Just during President von der Leyen's visit to Ukraine, the Russian army carried out another missile strike on Kryvyi Rih, on Kyiv Oblast. In both cases – against hydroelectric structures. The goal of these strikes is absolutely clear. These are attacks directly on people, on normalcy in life in Ukraine. A terrorist state is trying to show that it can compensate for such strikes with the loss and ineptitude of its military, the failure of its efforts to avoid sanctions and economic isolation.

We must respond by showing that there will be an inevitable tough and principled reaction to every manifestation of Russian terror. That is why an eighth EU sanctions package is needed – we talked about this with Mrs. Ursula. A principled decision from the United States regarding a state sponsor of terrorism, legal recognition of this status, is also necessary – we discussed this recently during US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Kyiv. We are discussing this issue as well in contacts with congressmen.

Progress in providing Ukraine with air defense systems is needed. We already have agreements with certain countries; our diplomats are working with others. I want to emphasize that without the provision of sufficient quantities of effective air defense systems capable of protecting Ukrainian skies, Russia will continue to feel impunity and provoke new local and global crises. Therefore, protection of Ukraine from Russian missiles is truly a fundamental element of global security.

Overall, support for Ukraine with weapons, ammunition, and finances has decisive importance for peace in Europe. The better quality support we have, the sooner this war will end. I spoke about this with representatives of leading analytical centers from Poland, Britain, France, and the US who came to Kyiv. Real protection of freedom and our shared values in a free world is possible now only as a result of Ukraine's victory in this war.

I also discussed further support for Ukraine with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. As always, very specifically, concretely. We talked about various security issues, including Russian missile strikes, military aid, training our troops, the prospects for battlefield developments, and restoring critical infrastructure before winter. I am grateful to Mr. Prime Minister for the support already provided to us, especially financial support for gas purchases. And for understanding the steps we need to take to break Russia's terrorist plans.

Today an important resolution was adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – a resolution demanding that Russia stop all actions against the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on the site itself, and at any other nuclear facility in Ukraine. While international organizations are often limited in their ability to respond, we see that the IAEA clearly identifies the source of radiation danger: Russian military presence at the Zaporizhzhia station, Russian actions against the nuclear plant. Therefore, full demilitarization of the site, immediate withdrawal of all Russian soldiers from it – this is the only thing that can ensure compliance with this IAEA resolution. And this too is a fundamental element of global security. As long as there are Russian soldiers on Zaporizhzhia NPP territory, the world remains at the brink of a radiation catastrophe worse than even Chernobyl. This is also a shared responsibility for all in Europe and around the world – to remove Russian presence from the territory of Zaporizhzhia NPP.

I want to thank today everyone involved with the State Emergency Service, municipal services, builders, police officers, military personnel, local government representatives, business representatives – each one and every one who is engaged in mitigating the consequences of Russian missile terror, helping those affected by strikes. In Kryvyi Rih and Kyiv Oblast, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv and Donetsk – in all cities and communities where Russia is tormenting us with its missiles.

The terrorist state has already used over 3800 different missiles against us. But no missile will bring Russia closer to its goal. The subjugation of Ukraine will not happen. And every missile brings Russia closer to greater international isolation, greater economic degradation and a clearer historical condemnation.

And finally. In Izium in Kharkiv Oblast, mass graves have been found. Legal proceedings there have already begun. More information – clear, verified information – will be available tomorrow. Journalists – Ukrainian and international – will be in Izium tomorrow. We want the world to know what is really happening and where Russian occupation has led us. Bucha, Mariupol, now unfortunately Izium... Russia leaves death everywhere it goes. And must answer for this. The world must hold Russia accountable for this war. We will do everything for that.

Eternal glory to all whose lives were taken by the occupiers! Eternal glory to everyone who fights for Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!»