President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about his visit to Kherson Oblast and his online participation in the European Council meeting held in Brussels.

"I wish you all good health, dear Ukrainians!

I have returned from Kherson Oblast — my day was dedicated primarily to this region of ours.

Security situation: our responses to the enemy's shelling of Kherson Oblast, counter-battery warfare and everything else that our soldiers do so that the occupier knows we will not forgive or forget terror.

Today, Russian army again hit Kherson Oblast — struck Berislav — local administration, houses, museum... Even historical museum in Berislav for Russia is somehow a threat... Absolutely mindless state, pure state-terrorist. We will eliminate it.

I held a lengthy meeting in Kherson with everyone responsible for the oblast — defense, social situation. Individually and carefully examined energy situation, questions of restoration.

On free territory of Kherson Oblast over 50 villages almost completely destroyed by occupier. In many places more than 90% of buildings in the villages are ruined. But even to such villages people return, and this is proof that life still prevails.

Today I was in one of the largest such villages — Posad-Pokrovskoye. Once one of the largest, before Russia's invasion. And we will do everything to make this village among the largest again — we will do everything for reconstruction of our territories.

I am grateful to everyone who helps restore normal life after Russian evil. Everyone who continues working even in such difficult areas and gives work, everyone who helps our soldiers.

Especially I want to thank each one of those involved in demining. It is pleasant to see when fields of Kherson Oblast cleared from Russian mines and shells are cultivated again, live again.

Of course, now there are still many such lands, and work for our sappers and bomb disposal experts still remains. But I am confident that we will clear our land from all deadly manifestations of Russia. All Ukraine will live.

Grateful to Finland which today announced a new package of security support. Among other things, this includes demining machines. Plus, of course, weighty things for our troops on the front line.

Had the honor today to present state awards to our soldiers who distinguished themselves in the defense of Kherson Oblast and all Ukraine.

On the way, by our «Ukrzaliznytsia» — by the way, thank you to everyone on our strong railway team — online participated in the European Council meeting held in Brussels with the participation of leaders of all EU countries and Mr. President of the European Council Charles Michel. I was very specific in this appeal.

Highlighted strong steps by partners. But also highlighted things that, unfortunately, still do not give us an opportunity to accelerate territory liberation or speed up war's end.

First of all, it is the supply of more effective weapons for our soldiers — long-range weapons and modern aircraft, regarding which we see some delay in partner decisions. Also important to move faster towards new and stronger sanctions against Russia for terror and new steps in our Ukrainian integration with EU structures.

I am confident that partners heard Ukraine's position.

And one more thing. Today we have a result, for which we worked for some time already.

Signed an agreement to open representation in Ukraine of the International Criminal Court.

This step will allow international justice to become even more active in investigating crimes of Russian military on our Ukrainian land.

Thank you to everyone at ICC, Office of Prosecutor General, our partners, all who help the work of international justice — investigation of Russian crimes against Ukraine and Ukrainians.

Glory to all fighting for freedom!

Glory to everyone defending Kherson Oblast, Mykolaiv Oblast, Odesa Oblast, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Zaporizhzhia, Donbas, Kharkiv Oblast, Sumy Oblast, Chernihiv Oblast and all of our Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!»