President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the liquidation of consequences of a massive Russian strike on our energy infrastructure and the need for reliable and long-term protection of the grain corridor.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians!

Today we continued our diplomatic activity in response to another Russian escalation, both against our energy facilities and attempts by Russia to once again exacerbate the food crisis.

I spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron. I thanked him for the support already provided and informed him of our urgent needs, primarily in defense. An air shield for Ukraine must be established. This was clearly stated today. We discussed specific projects with Emmanuel to strengthen our defenses and rebuild destroyed facilities.

The terrorists' bet on winter is completely transparent to everyone, and this challenge should be viewed as a challenge to all of Europe. Any winter hardships Moscow will present in its propaganda as proof of the EU's inability. So together we must prove to the terrorists that incapacity is their word, not Europe’s.

We agreed to hold two very important events. The first one - in December in France. Specifically regarding all winter challenges: from energy to finances, from weapons to protecting our skies. And the second event - to gather French business and help Ukraine.

I discussed with President Macron the situation with our food export. These days, ship movements with Ukrainian agricultural products continued, mainly thanks to the principled partners, namely - UN and Turkey, who do not accept Russia's attempts to destroy the grain agreement. 

But we need a reliable and long-term protection of the grain corridor. Russia must clearly know that it will receive a harsh response from the world for any steps that disrupt our food export. This is literally an issue of life for tens of millions of people.

This was also what I spoke about today with the Prime Minister of Cambodia. The country currently holds ASEAN, one of the most powerful global unions. It includes over 600 million people in ten countries. And for each of these countries, a food crisis is a real threat to national security. If prices on food rise due to Russian aggression and there's a shortage on the food market, this will inevitably lead to catastrophic consequences in most ASEAN countries as well as other regions around the world. Therefore, pressure on Russia for food security guarantees is needed now from everyone - including Asian countries. We are working towards this.

Today there was a visit by European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson to Kyiv. She has previously helped us greatly in the process of Ukraine's integration into the pan-European energy network. This significantly strengthened Ukraine. And now we heard from Ms. Commissioner signals of support that are necessary. We discussed an initiative to create such a format, similar to the military "Ramstein", which would work for our common security but focused on the energy sector. Something like an "energy Ramstein" - funds, technical support, transformers, generators, energy carriers. This is what is crucially needed for our defense.

We also discussed help to specific cities and communities. Such as Mykolaiv, Nikopol, Kharkiv and others that suffer from constant Russian terror - literally day and night.

I informed Ms. Commissioner about the liquidation of consequences of yesterday's massive Russian strike on our energy infrastructure. About our needs in connection with such strikes. Based on the results of the visit, we have many working agreements.

As of now, we can report that for all consumers in Ukraine technical possibilities for water supply are already restored. For most also technical possibilities for electricity supply. Stabilization blackouts continue in nine regions of Ukraine. Energy workers and local authorities do everything to shorten the duration of outages.

It's worth not forgetting that restoration works continue uninterrupted on territories liberated from occupiers: in Kharkiv region, on Donbas, in southern parts of the country. For example, already more than 20 thousand consumers in liberated areas of Kharkiv oblast have received gas supply. In Vovchansk, Balakliya and other cities heating systems are being restored.

We will do everything to give people electricity and heat this winter. But we must understand that Russia will do everything to disrupt normal life.

They don't mind the costs of energy terror. If you look at the cost of yesterday's Russian strike alone, the missiles and drones used by Russia would have cost over 2 million 300 thousand average Russian pensions for age. And that is just one strike! Monthly income of 2 million 300 thousand Russian pensioners... Instead of alleviating poverty in their own country, Russian leadership spends everything to avoid admitting what a historic mistake they made with this war against Ukraine.

On the battlefield, they are hopeless. Ukrainian warriors have already proven that. But time, efforts, patience are needed to prove that even hope for winter is not going to come true for Russian terrorists. I am confident we will overcome this too.

I thank everyone who helps Ukraine!

Glory to each and every one working towards our victory! Glory to all our warriors holding positions, however difficult it may be, and gradually liberating our land!

Glory to Ukraine!"