President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the work of our maritime export corridor and a new and very powerful US sanctions decision.

"I wish good health to all Ukrainians,

A brief report for today.

First – the situation review. Military, intelligence, our security forces, government officials. Special attention, of course, to the front lines. And a report on the work of our maritime export corridor – I am grateful to everyone who is fighting and working so that Ukraine can maintain access to global markets. The results are good. Russia is gradually losing control over the Black Sea and retreating into its eastern part. We will get there too.

Second – a lengthy meeting with our government officials. Regarding those steps that Ukraine needs to take both in the context of our transformation and in the context of our work with partners. Specific reforms. In various areas. Preparing draft laws and government decisions. Some of them will be adopted within the nearest weeks.

Third – a conversation with President of the European Council Charles Michel. Our progress towards the EU. The decision we expect this year regarding the start of membership negotiations. This decision will be significant, very symbolic step that reflects how much Ukraine has achieved. We also discussed the situation in the Middle East – the threat of escalation, tragic scenario. It is important to protect as many lives as possible. I invited Charles, Mr President, to visit Ukraine.

Fourth – held a meeting with the Dutch Minister of Defense who arrived in Ukraine. Ms Minister visited Kharkiv – and I am grateful for this, for her attention to one of our largest cities which suffers from daily Russian terror. We discussed in detail the defense support that the Netherlands provide, and it is crucially important. Our agreements with Mark, Mr Prime Minister Rutte, are being fulfilled at 100%. I am grateful to the entire political class and society of the Netherlands for their faith in Ukraine, in our people.

Fifth – thank you to the United States for a new and very powerful sanctions decision. More than 220 Russian – and not only Russian – entities that work on aggression are now under US sanctions. This is what we need. Critical sectors of the aggressor's economy. Schemes sensitive to terrorists. And every sanction must be fully effective – so there is no chance for Russia to circumvent them. The power of sanctions is the strength of the world. We constantly communicate with our partners towards this goal – a united world must become even stronger.

Two more things.

Held a very substantive meeting with government officials. Various directions of governmental work. Discussed those steps that are needed for the transformation of our state, our work with partners and donors. Government decisions, laws that we need, strengthening institutions. We have set priorities and preparing new steps – in the nearest weeks, by year-end, and on a regular basis.

And what I do every day is very honorable for me. Our soldiers. Our gratitude. Those who distinguished themselves today. Coal mining direction – our strong 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade. Thank you to you, boys! Mariinka – paratroopers of the "seventy-ninth", well done! Avdiivka direction – 31st, 47th, 53rd and 110th separate mechanized brigades. I thank every soldier!

And Kupyansk direction – 14th and 32nd separate mechanized brigades, 57th separate motorized infantry brigade – I am proud of you, boys! And I am confident in you – just as on February 24. Confident that Ukraine will definitely win. Be confident in yourselves.

I am proud of everyone who fights for Ukraine, destroys the occupiers, restores our positions. Who is now in trenches. Who is now at battle posts. Who trains our soldiers. Who produces weapons, ammunition and equipment for Ukraine. Who teaches our children. Who treats, rescues after strikes. Ensures normal life in our cities. Who gives us light. Everyone who gives us confidence – our parents, our children... Who loves us. Who prays for us, for victory. Who helps us from all corners of the world. Who survived basements and occupation – and did not break. All those who every day do everything to free Ukraine and Ukrainians from Russian captivity.

I am proud of you, Ukrainian people! I am proud of you, Ukrainian soldier!

Glory to Ukraine!"