President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the use of our troops in advanced air defense systems and new communication with partners for important defense packages.

"I wish good health to all Ukrainians!

Today, I had the honor to greet all our Air Force personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on their professional day. All our pilots and anti-aircraft gunners, specialists who ensure the technical side of our aviation and air defense... This is a day for real Ukrainian heroes who save lives despite everything, protect our cities and villages from Russian terror. It's very important - our Air Force soldiers give not only us but also the entire free world clear confidence that Russian terror can be defeated.

Today, I heard a report on the use of our troops in advanced air defense systems - "Patriots" and "Iris", which we received from partners. Thank you to every country, every leader who helped with them! Powerful systems, very effective. They have already given significant results. Not just for Ukraine. Because each destruction of Russian missiles in our sky, especially hypersonic "kamikazes"... the Russian terrorists boasted about these weapons for a long time... Each success of our troops is confidence to the world that a state-terrorist cannot break collective security.

Just over this past week, Russian terrorists used against us 65 different missiles, 178 attack drones, including 87 "Shaheds". A significant portion was shot down. We will do everything to make the Ukrainian air shield even stronger. Right here, in our sky, we can prove that terror is losing. All together, we can prove it - all partners. It's very important for each partner to take responsibility regarding the supply of air defense systems and missiles to them. Full protection from terror is needed here so that later there won't be a need to think about how to protect other nations from it. Ukraine can win this battle, and our air shield will soon guarantee security for all of Europe.

Today I awarded our Air Force soldiers, spoke with them. We equally strive to feel the battlefield application of F-16 in Ukrainian skies sooner. Everything is being done for that purpose. Today I also handed over "Golden Stars" Hero of Ukraine medals to the families of pilots who died fighting for our country. Eternal memory to every hero and eternal gratitude to each Ukrainian family that gave our people such heroes... May the victory of Ukraine in this terrible war be the highest honor for all those who chose their fate as defenders of our nation!

We are already preparing for next week, further strengthening our state, our positions.

There will be new communication with partners - for defense packages for Ukraine. We will add even more content to the international events planned for August-September, including the Crimea Platform and Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, as well as our participation in the UN General Assembly. Of course, we will continue internal cleansing of our state from those who unfortunately weaken Ukraine with their abuses.

Ukraine needs only strength, maximum focus on achieving victory. If anyone already thinks that war is "somewhere else" and someone else should win it, then they need to return to reality. Only the entire nation will get us through this.

We must give results for Ukraine and for all who fight for Ukraine every day. Thank you to everyone who brings our victory closer! Glory to our soldiers! Glory to our people, strong and beautiful! And once again, congratulations on the Air Forces Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!"