President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the defense of our cities and communities, our ports from Russian strikes, and a thorough discussion regarding one of the most important components of state policy.

"Dear Ukrainians,

Two more children were killed by Russia today. Artillery strike on the village of Druzhba (Toretska community, Donetsk region). A girl born in 2007 and a boy from 2013 died. Chernihiv region, Goncharivske village - rocket impact. Two women were killed; debris clearance is ongoing. Cultural center, school, residential buildings damaged. My condolences to the families of those who perished...

Today, Russian rockets and drones struck Odesa again, our southern regions.

Overall, since the beginning of the week, over 20 people were affected by Russian terror in the territory of Odesa region. Among them are two children. Only absolute evil can inflict such strikes. There will be a response. In addition, there will be even more consolidation of the world for defense and joint actions, more energy towards victory, more desire for justice and just punishment for Russia for all war crimes. And this retribution will come.

I chaired a meeting of the General Staff today. It lasted for a long time.

We thoroughly discussed issues related to the defense of our cities and communities, our ports from Russian strikes. If anyone in Russia hopes that they can turn the Black Sea into a playground and terror zone, it won't work. We know how to defend ourselves, we see readiness around the world to continue working together even more actively - to bring peace to this region.

Tonight I plan to hold talks with President of Turkey Erdogan. The Black Sea region, food security, and other important topics.

As always, at the General Staff meeting there were detailed briefings by military personnel, intelligence services, border guards regarding the current situation on the front lines. Not only on key active operation axes but also generally about the border and possible development of the situation.

Ammunition supply - a topic of constant attention. Of course, our production of ammunition and drones as well as supplies from partners. We fix better results every week, growth in our capabilities.

Today I also held a thorough discussion about one of the most important components of Ukraine's state policy - heroes' policy. Policy regarding our soldiers, veterans. Ukraine will not only win this war but also gain such a life that would be worthy of those who fought for it to stand against evil and defeat Russian terror. It is very important that our system - governmental, societal, economic, cultural - should indeed be one based on respect. Respect towards Ukraine and every single person who directed their life, courage, strength towards the goal of making Ukraine stand against evil and win over Russian terror. Thank you to everyone who has already started developing with us the details of Ukrainian transformation after this war.

And one more thing.

I thank our soldiers. Every single person defending Ukraine's skies across the country. Air forces, our pilots and anti-aircraft troops, mobile artillery brigades. Every unit of AAW of all types and branches of service. Thank you!

Bakhmut direction. 5th Separate Assault Brigade, 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade, 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade. Thank you soldiers for your bravery and ability to strike the enemy so that even if they survive - they understand Ukraine will always be free!

128th Separate Mountain-Assault Zakarpattia Brigade, marines of the 35th and 36th separate brigades, artillerymen of the 55th brigade, 79th separate brigade DSHV and 110th separate mechanized brigade. Thank you soldiers for your accuracy, for your ability to return Ukraine its own!

Glory to all of you, soldiers! Glory to every single person fighting for our state and people!

Thank you everyone around the world who helps us!

Glory to Ukraine!"