President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about his visit to Sumy and Chernihiv regions and about the principled and just step taken by the French parliament, which recognized the Holodomor as genocide against Ukrainians.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians!

Returned from our Sumy region. Today I was in Okhtyrka, in Trostyanets, in Sumy, at the positions of our border guards.

Impressions – special ones. The region is close to the enemy. Threat – constant. Shelling of our border areas – constant. But life, our people are clearly stronger than any fears.

Reconstruction is ongoing, business is gradually returning, people are rebuilding their lives.

I had the honor to present Okhtyrka with a special city-hero award. A city that helped save Eastern and Central Ukraine by its resistance.

Greeted Trostyanets on the anniversary of liberation from the occupier.

Conducted a meeting with representatives of local authorities in Sumy region, and Chernihiv region. There are issues that need to be resolved. They will be resolved.

Conducted a meeting with commanders responsible for the defense of Sumy and Chernihiv regions directly. Special discussion – with the head of border service. About the protection of Sumy region and other our regions, about strengthening border guards who together with all forces of defense fight on the front line.

By the way, today I want to highlight our soldiers from Luhansk, Kramatorsk, and Donetsk Border Guard Battalions, who effectively destroy the enemy on the Bakhmut, Lyman, and Avdiivka axes. Thank you, boys! Special thanks to mortar crews and aerial reconnaissance of our border units in Donbas directions. Well done, soldiers!

Of course, I thank the Sumy Border Guard Battalion. It was them that I visited today, had the honor to talk with them, support them. Strong positions along the entire border with the state-terrorist – this is the result of the strength of specific people who are ready at any moment to defend the border.

Today there is a decision by France – the French parliament that recognized the Holodomor as genocide against the Ukrainian nation. I thank for this principled and just step, for spreading historical truth in yet another European country.

And one more thing.

I want to thank today everyone who, following their heart's call in different countries, on different squares, with different words but equally honestly and strongly reminds the world that Russian aggression can end much sooner than it is sometimes said. Sooner if the world is quicker, if the world is more decisive.

Destroyed Ukrainian cities and villages along the border of the state-terrorist, constant Russian blackmail and threats to destroy life in other countries as well, constant refusal to return true peace and mockery of basic international norms – all this is enough reason to push and fight for values without compromise. Really! Every day gaining results for freedom. Every day gaining results for peace. Every day forcing Russia to lose.

I thank everyone who helps Ukraine!

Glory to all who are now fighting against terror!

Glory to Ukraine!»