President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, informing about an away meeting of the General Staff in Dnipro and preparations for an important international event — the Summit for Democracy.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians!

Just held a meeting of the General Staff — for the first time away, in Dnipro. Here, in this strategic city at the center of our country, after visiting Mariupol and Nikopol, Zaporizhzhia, advanced positions of our soldiers in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Commanders of operational directions reported on the actual situation. General Syrskyi, General Tarnavskyi — they were personally present. Those who lead the defense in Donetsk, at the hottest fronts. There were online reports from commanders of OSUM, covering the south and north as well. A report was given by the head and others.

By the way, I want to thank our reconnaissance fighters for their strong work today in Bakhmut. The "Kraken" unit, as always, at the top. Well done, boys!

Discussed at the General Staff the overall situation in frontline areas, reinforcement and protection of our borders along the entire front — from Kherson to Kharkiv.

Each commander understands that the enemy must answer for every strike on our cities and villages, for our people. For Sloviansk, for Kostiantynivka and Druzhkivka, for Avdiivka and Toretsk, for all the rest of Ukrainians — not only during the full-scale war but also since 2014.

Dnipro has been our fortress for over nine years, supporting the front and soldiers throughout this time. It is here in Dnipro that thousands of our soldiers have received medical care after being wounded since as early as 2014.

I thank you, Dnipro, I thank everyone here in the city who helps Ukraine stand firm and fight the occupier.

Today in Zaporizhzhia, I visited a city hit by Russian rockets targeting residential buildings. Ordinary houses. Burned down, partially destroyed.

Dozens of people were injured in this insane Russian strike. Terrorists knew exactly where to aim their Smerch rockets. 37 people suffered, two died. My condolences to those who lost loved ones...

Over 400 people sought help.

Of course, Russia will answer for this strike. This is why we are working closely with international justice and mobilizing the world to create a special tribunal on Russian aggression. It will happen. Verdicts for terrorists will be issued.

Of course, we help those who lost their homes due to such strikes. Local authorities and partners have resources to provide immediate assistance. And I thank everyone who quickly implements relevant programs without unnecessary bureaucracy.

It was painful to see what Russia did to our Mariupol and Nikopol. But every soldier, man and woman, on the front lines today in Zaporizhzhia knows exactly what is needed to push back the enemy from our land. And it will happen.

Visited our fighters in the hospital recovering after injuries today. Thank you to each doctor, nurse, volunteer helping save soldiers.

Met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. The topic was clear: security of our energy and nuclear power plants. First and foremost, Zaporizhzhia NPP, which Russia still uses for radioactive blackmail of the world. No other terrorist has reached such cynicism in their depths as Russia constantly seeks and finds new lows.

To hold a nuclear plant hostage for over a year is the worst that could have happened in European and global nuclear energy history. The longer Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia NPP lasts, the greater the threat to Ukraine's security, all of Europe, and the world. Thank you to our partners, thank you Mr. Grossi for understanding this and supporting Ukraine on relevant issues.

And one more thing.

We are already preparing for an important international event initiated by President Biden and the United States. The Summit for Democracy. Ukraine will participate. Our position in support of freedom will sound strong as always.

Thank you to everyone who helps our country defend freedom!

Glory to all fighting for Ukraine!

Thank you to all our people in Zaporizhzhia, Mariupol, Nikopol, Dnipro, and all cities that Russia wants to destroy but stand so firmly!

Together we will win.

Glory to Ukraine!»