President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, informing about the decision of the Verkhovna Rada necessary for starting negotiations with the European Union regarding our country's membership and about the first enemy attack using ATACMS missiles.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians,

Report for today. A busy day.

Stake. Key military and foreign policy issues. Meeting with the head of SBU. Long. Regarding key risks. We respond to every risk, every threat. Strongly responding.

Minister of Finance Marchenko informed about meetings and discussions with leaders of international financial institutions. The annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank recently took place. Significant attention to Ukraine. And an important conclusion that many partners, various leaders and institutions have reached: global stability and security, world economic development are directly linked to Russian aggression against Ukraine ending fairly — restoring international order, fully enforcing international law.

Today there is a necessary decision of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine — necessary for starting negotiations with the European Union. The law on politically exposed persons was adopted. I am awaiting the text of the law to sign it. Our task remains unchanged — this year we must be ready to open talks regarding Ukraine's EU membership. We are doing and will do our part of the work for this purpose. A political decision to start negotiations is awaited from leaders of EU countries.

I held a summary meeting on the work of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Ukraine this year. This is an important and productive platform for direct communication with communities and solving urgent issues in regions, interaction between local authorities and all central government structures, including the Cabinet of Ministers as well as Verkhovna Rada. I am grateful to everyone who actively works within the Congress, especially regarding restoration and preparation for winter. However, the work of the Congress should be expanded to a broader range of issues — social sphere, communication, job creation, and many other things that are important to people across the country.

And on the front line. Soldiers. Our brigades. 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade, 68th Separate Jäger Brigade, 25th Separate Airborne Brigade — this is the Lyman direction. And the Soledar direction — 92nd Separate Assault Brigade and 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade "Cold Field". Thank you to all of you, soldiers!

Thank you to everyone who fights and works for Ukraine! Thank you to everyone who helps! Today I am especially grateful to the United States. Our agreements with President Biden are being fulfilled. They are being fulfilled very effectively — "Iron Hammer" proved itself.

Glory to Ukraine!"