President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about Russia's leadership seeking new opportunities to continue the war and the situation in the occupied part of Kherson Oblast.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians!

Just concluded a conversation with students and faculty community at Yale University—one of the leading universities in the US and around the world. Its graduates have significant influence on decision-making—political, business, at the level of civil and international organizations.

It is through such addresses as this to representatives of Yale University that we expand the circle of those who understand what is happening in Ukraine and help us defend our freedom.

I will continue this work next week. We will further expand our opportunities, including through informal diplomacy—through civil society in partner countries, through student communities, through professional and business communities.

Today I held talks with Giorgia Meloni, the head of the Italian government. I congratulated Ms. Prime Minister on her appointment and discussed possibilities for strengthening our cooperation in various areas—this includes security, economy, diplomacy, including integration of our state into European and Euro-Atlantic structures.

I held several meetings with military personnel regarding the current situation at the front lines and our active actions.

Today the enemy reports on supposedly completing their mobilization. About supposedly no need for new waves of sending Russian citizens to the front.

We feel quite differently at the front line. Although Russia is trying to increase pressure on our positions, using mobilized troops, but they are so poorly prepared and equipped, so roughly treated by command that it allows us to assume that soon Russia may need a new wave of sending people to war. We are preparing for this—the leadership is looking for any new opportunities to continue the war, including through its allies in Iran.

That's why we work daily with partners to strengthen our air defense and other defensive capabilities. Daily we enhance protection of our critical infrastructure, especially energy.

As of now, power stabilization schedules are being applied in many cities and regions across the country—close to 4 million Ukrainians have restrictions at present. Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast, Zhytomyr Oblast, Poltava Oblast, Rivne Oblast, Kharkiv Oblast, Chernihiv Oblast, Sumy Oblast, Cherkasy Oblast, Kirovohrad Oblast. There may also be emergency outages in other regions. We are doing everything to give the state the possibility to shorten such outages.

The occupiers have added another challenge—on occupied territory. In fact, they are dismantling all existing health care systems there. The occupiers decided to close medical facilities in cities, remove equipment, ambulances—simply everything... They pressure doctors who remain in the occupied areas to move to Russian territory.

This is primarily about Kherson Oblast. Russia is turning Kherson into a zone without civilization, without basic things that are available in most countries around the world. This region, like all other regions of Ukraine before the arrival of Russia, was completely normal and safe, where all social services were guaranteed to people. Life was guaranteed.

Now Russia is trying to make Kherson literally a zone of alienation. The world must react to this. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, all our representatives inform international organizations and partners about this new escalation step by the occupiers.

And I want to address now everyone from our people who are in these occupied cities and areas: please do everything you can to help each other—despite any actions of the occupiers. The Ukrainian flag will return. We will return normal life. But we need to endure this time. Time when even formally, the occupiers confirm that they cannot hold on to Ukraine's territory, so they are trying to steal medical equipment and force medical personnel.

I thank the United States of America—today a new package of military aid for Ukraine was announced. Its amount is $275 million. Very necessary things for our defenders, which give us the ability step by step to liberate our territory. This not only helps us advance on the battlefield, it gives us the ability to guarantee people their fundamental right to life.

I want to thank Canada today—our long-standing and sincere partner—for an unprecedented act regarding the issuance of sovereign bonds by Canada, all proceeds from which will be directed towards helping Ukraine. The amount is half a billion dollars. And these bonds will be available for investment not only in Canada but around the world. This is an extraordinary example for all our partners.

Canada is the first country to offer such a support mechanism. Thank you, Justin, Mr. Prime Minister! I thank Chrystia Freeland, a true friend of Ukraine!

Glory to everyone who helps Ukraine fight for freedom!

Glory to all our heroes!

Glory to Ukraine!»