President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, announcing the release of compatriots from captivity and a conversation with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians!

Today we have good news. Another 116 Ukrainians were released from Russian captivity.

Of them, 114 are regular soldiers and sergeants, two are officers. Soldiers of our army, National Guard, territorial defense, Navy, border guards, State Emergency Service.

We continue to work tirelessly to bring home all our people held in Russian captivity. And I am happy every time this succeeds.

I thank everyone on our team who facilitates exchanges, the entire Coordination Headquarters of the General Staff. Budanov, Usova, Yermak, Klimenko, Maliuk, Lubinsky — I thank each one! Thank you to all those who helped.

Of course, we must remember Denis Monastyrskyi. This exchange was prepared under his involvement as well. And his death is truly a great loss for our country.

Overall, since February 24, our team has managed to bring back already 1762 Ukrainians and Ukrainian women from Russian captivity.

I also thank everyone who helps these people after their release.

Everyone who treats them, restores documents, helps resolve issues for those released from captivity. This reflects the main purpose of what we are doing. We restore and protect normalcy in life for our people in a free country.

I spoke today with Rishi Sunak, Mr. Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. A very important conversation. Very weighty things we are preparing together.

Thanked Mr. Prime Minister and all Britons for their help to our country. Our boys have already started training on Challenger tanks in Britain. This is a good machine. And it will be serious business on the battlefield.

Together with our partners, we do everything every day to ensure that our soldiers have sufficient strength to defend against the state-terrorist.

We also discussed other promising things that can strengthen our defense.

Discussed separately the issue of threat to the international Olympic movement, which arose due to the weakness of international sports bureaucracy. Through those who try to actually allow Russia to use sport for propaganda purposes.

I am glad that in the world they hear our position on protecting the Olympic principles from a state-terrorist.

Today I signed relevant documents to take another step towards protecting and purging our country of those who are on the side of the aggressor.

There is an application from security services regarding individuals with registered Russian citizenship. Tomorrow a legal step will be taken to implement sanctions decisions by the National Security and Defense Council.

And we work to synchronize our sanction measures with jurisdictions of partners. Enemies of the free world have no right to use the free world for their interests.

And one more thing.

For 346 days of this war, I often had to say that the situation on the front is tough. And that the situation is becoming tougher.

Now it's such a time again. A time when the occupier throws more and more of his forces at breaking our defense. Now it's very hard in Bakhmut, Vuhledar, on the Lyman direction and others.

But now, as every day for these 346 days, the steadfastness of our soldiers decides everything. Our steadfastness!

Not some attempts and plans of Russia. But the bravery and decisiveness of our fighters. The effectiveness and speed of all who support and help to ensure our defense forces. Carefulness and conviction of all who protect Ukraine's international positions. Strength and unity of our people — everyone working towards our victory, and everyone supporting our heroes and Ukrainian state.

Preserving all elements of our steadfastness guarantees victory.

Glory to all our soldiers! Thank you to all who help!

Glory to Ukraine!"