President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the need to strengthen our air defense systems to protect all of Ukrainian airspace and about budget expenditures that should primarily go towards defense.

"I wish health to all Ukrainians,

Firstly - I want to thank everyone who is helping our people, our cities overcome the consequences of Russian strikes. Odesa and region, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, Zhytomyr region, Kharkiv, border regions, Donetsk...

I thank all rescuers, doctors, medical sisters, volunteers, police officers, local authorities. I thank everyone who works for the people and Ukraine. Assistance is provided to those affected by Russian strikes. Once again, I thank the workers of our ports, generally transport infrastructure, who do everything to preserve Ukraine's export potential, our access to the global economy.

Only in four days this week, from Monday, Russian terrorists have already used almost 70 rockets of various types and nearly 90 "shaheds" against our state, mainly - against Odesa and Odessa region, Mykolaiv, other southern cities and communities...

Of course, our soldiers managed to shoot down part of the enemy's rockets and drones, and I thank each of our sky defenders for this. But unfortunately, the strength of Ukraine's air defense systems is still not enough to protect all of Ukrainian airspace. We are working as actively as possible with partners to get additional air defense complexes that can provide peace and security to Odesa and other cities and communities across our country.

I want to thank today several countries that have strengthened sanctions against Russian entities, various entities that in one way or another help Russia wage this human rights-abusing aggression. I thank the United States, Canada, European Union. Hundreds of new sanction targets successfully implemented. Russia and everyone around the world who dares to assist terrorists should feel a constant increase in sanctions pressure - whether individuals, companies, or countries.

Today there is also an important decision by the National Bank of Ukraine regarding a financial institution operating in our country that belongs to Russian oligarchs - they are under sanctions in various jurisdictions. RBNO sanctions were applied. And now it would be right for the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to promptly consider the relevant proposals from the National Bank of Ukraine and support them concerning this financial institution. In the interest of depositors, for financial stability and simply justice.

I spoke today with Prime Minister Shmyhal about another issue that should be considered, especially in terms of fairness. Budget expenditures. During such a war, the maximum state attention, hence state resources, must go to defense. An obvious thing. And every project that can be realized at the expense of extra-budgetary resources must be realized precisely from those extra-budgetary resources. This applies to various sectors, including the cultural sector. Museums, cultural centers, symbols, series - all this is important but now other priorities. Find extra-budgetary funds. Not state ones. So I proposed two steps to the head of government. First - find extra-budgetary funds for projects that are really needed right now. There are people in the world who can help. And secondly - asked the prime minister to consider replacing the Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine.

I want to address separately all representatives of local authorities in our country: people should feel that budget resources are being used fairly and properly. Everyone understands what is at stake. Street beautification, city fountains - can wait. First victory.

And one more thing.

We continue to work to mobilize the world for food security and normal life. Today for the first time in our countries' history I spoke with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, among other things about Russia's attempt to destroy Ukraine's grain exports. Right now, nearly 20 million people in Ethiopia are on the brink of famine - one of the most critical situations in the world. Last year, Ukrainian export saved at least a million lives in Ethiopia - that much food was directed there, almost 300 thousand tons. And if not for Russian aggression, we would have been able to save many more lives - give much more security. I am confident that this year we can do it - all together, the whole world. No one in the world is interested in Russia succeeding in destroying the global food market. And by the way, we are already preparing for tomorrow's UN Security Council meeting - precisely on this issue of food security. Grateful to everyone around the world who helps!

Glory to our soldiers! Glory to every one and every woman fighting for freedom and people's lives!

Glory to Ukraine!"