President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the visit to our country by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and a meeting with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians,

It was an eventful day.

The United States Secretary of Defense Austin visited Ukraine. In his delegation, along with him, was also the Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO, Cavoli. A very productive conversation, and importantly, it took place ahead of a new "Ramstein" meeting.

Of course, we discussed the situation on the battlefield and its prospects — how we can strengthen both our defense and our movement. There is a new defense package for our country from the United States. I am grateful. In particular, there will be more artillery — shells that are needed right now.

We also discussed Ukrainian actions in the Black Sea and the protection of our export corridor. Freedom of navigation is a fundamental value for the entire world, and Ukraine has shown here, in the Black Sea, that we can expel an aggressor from waters he wanted to make dead.

I thank all partners who help us ensure real restoration of international law on our land and in our sea, and especially the United States for its unwavering leadership in support.

Normal life around the world depends a lot on how strong America is in protecting lives. And the world sees this strength in helping Ukraine.

I held several important meetings today. The first — planning our international communication for the coming weeks. There will be relevant events. I also had meetings with intelligence leaders — both the State Security Service and the Ukrainian Intelligence Service. Both work powerfully, thank you for this.

A meeting with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Mostly about current issues — those things that government officials are implementing now. But also about our relations with certain partners.

In particular, the prime minister reported on talks with representatives of Bulgaria and Romania — this direction of cross-border cooperation is clearly growing. I thank the partners. This is also about the maritime corridor and the Danube export cluster, and generally trade between our countries. Only with Romania we see a potential increase to 4 million tons of cargo by the end of this year. This is very powerful and supports not only our country, not only jobs in Ukraine, but also partner countries. The entire region grows when neighbors cooperate.

I am convinced — we will add more cooperation. And Romania, and Bulgaria, and Moldova, and Ukraine, and the entire European Union — we are absolutely interested in our ties becoming stronger. Because later such strength is reflected in an increase in our defense capabilities — the defense of freedom.

I thank everyone who helps Ukraine! I thank everyone whose work — makes Ukraine, our people, our children more secure. And to every Ukrainian soldier, every sergeant, every officer of the Armed Forces and Security Services of Ukraine, to all who protect the state and truly care about human life, I am grateful!

Glory to Ukraine!»