President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the mine terror inflicted by occupiers and about supporting and strengthening new sanctions against Russia.

"Dear Ukrainians!

I have just signed decrees awarding state honors posthumously to police officers whose lives were taken yesterday in Kherson Oblast by Russian mines.

The title of Hero of Ukraine is awarded to Colonel of the Police Mykhailo Kuratchenko. The Orders "For Courage" are awarded to Captains of the Police Ihor Melnyk and Serhiy Nenad, and Corporal of the Police Vadym Perezhuk.

Once again - my condolences...

They did everything for the safety of Ukrainians. Returning after completing one of their tasks, when they had removed weapons and ammunition from a bunker left by occupiers in Kherson Oblast, police officers fell into a mine trap.

And this is the form of Russian terror that we will have to counter for years to come. Terrorists deliberately try to leave behind as many deadly traps as possible. Buried explosives, booby-trapped buildings, vehicles and infrastructure... This concerns over 170 thousand square kilometers of dangerous territory.

I am convinced that this will be among the points of indictment against Russia for aggression - namely mine terror. Which is even more ruthless and underhanded than rocket attacks, because there is no such anti-mine system capable of destroying even a part of the threat as our PPO does.

I am grateful to all our partners who are helping Ukraine with demining work. Canada, Japan, Britain, Slovakia, ambassadors and donors of United24, and many others who understand how important it is for Ukraine not to be left alone with the problem of territory contaminated by occupiers.

Met today with representatives from Slovakia, an official delegation - ministers of foreign affairs, defense, and economy. We discussed our existing cooperation at both bilateral level and within European Union structures. Agreed on new solutions for our common security and political interests.

We are actively working to support and strengthen further sanctions against Russia - European, American, and those of other partners. The question of the ninth EU sanctions package is currently under consideration.

We expect more decisions as well, including regarding schemes circumventing anti-war sanctions, among others financial and energy-related.

Preparing several important events - for tomorrow and next week. Protection and restoration of the rights of our people, reconstruction of Ukraine - these are constant priorities. Next week will be quite significant for Ukraine in terms of both tasks.

I thank everyone who fights for freedom!

I thank everyone who strengthens our state and helps our people!

Eternal memory to each one who gave their life for Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!"