President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, informing about the long-awaited decision by the European Union and about the work on securing safety guarantees for our country.

"I wish good health to all Ukrainians,

We continue this week with a positive dynamic for Ukraine — events that add strength to our state.

Today — the long-awaited decision by the European Union: 50 billion euros for Ukraine. A support program. Long-term — for four years. And this means — Ukrainians have financial guarantees for our social stability. The decision was made today at the European Council — at the level of leaders. For it, the team of Ukraine and our friends in the EU worked deeply and actively — through various channels, on different levels. Mainly — this is a unanimous decision by Europe right now. I thank all our friends who helped — and, of course, everyone in our team: Ukrainian diplomats, government officials, everyone involved. In talks with each leader of the EU, I raised the issue of supporting Ukraine. I am grateful to every one of the 27 countries of the European Union and leaders of European institutions. Now it is important that the distribution of these funds follows a similar format to previous support: we need larger sums for the first two tranches — 18 billion euros per year, and then the stability of the state will be greater. Teams from Ukraine and the EU will work on this issue. Today in my statement to the European Council, I also mentioned our other goals for the year. This is creating a corresponding Fund to help Ukraine within the framework of the European Peace Facility to support our defense capabilities and defensive actions on the front lines. And preparing this year's Global Summit of Peace in Switzerland — an event that I invited all leaders of the European community to participate in.

Second, what is worth mentioning today.

A very emotional event — the release of our boys from captivity, which took place yesterday. Now all 207 boys are already undergoing rehabilitation and recovery. Each one receives necessary assistance. Each one is already in touch with their relatives. All families and close ones can visit them. And every time when our people come home, it proves that Ukraine works to bring everyone back. No one is forgotten. There are different situations where an exchange may be significantly complicated. Sometimes someone says it's impossible. But we look for ways. We look for mediators. And I am grateful to all who help Ukraine. The team of Ukraine continues working on the next exchanges.

Third,

Work is ongoing on security guarantees for Ukraine. Today in Berlin, another round of talks took place — preparing a corresponding agreement. I am grateful to the German side for their pragmatic and at the same time valuable approach. We are also working with other countries and already see that it's possible to create a very extensive, deep system of security guarantees. In all those areas critical for normal life in any democratic country. And ahead — much work on each such agreement, its implementation. Right now Ukraine can use this system of security guarantees to set an example for securing state protection in the free world at a time when they are outside effective security alliances. And, of course, we are working to achieve progress with NATO — already defined our position regarding expected results from the NATO summit in Washington this year.

Fourth,

Signed several new decrees today awarding state honors to our soldiers. 294 members of Ukraine's Armed Forces. Various brigades, various directions. But equally life-important battles. Courage without which Ukraine could not have stood. Strength that ensures Ukraine's independence and its own path in this world. We must be grateful to each of our soldiers — all defenders and defenders, everyone who strengthens defense and helps. In total during the war since February 24th, state honors were awarded to almost 70 thousand of our soldiers. To be exact, as of today — 69 thousand 945. All elements of Ukraine's Defense Forces and Security Services. Army. National Guard. SBU. NPU. Border Service. DSS. Foreign Intelligence. UDO. State Special Communication. And, of course, GUR. By the way, today our boys have another successful result — this time at sea. Effective replenishment of Russia's Black Sea fleet. Thank you!

And fifth, which is important,

Today Europe demonstrated exactly such unity as needed. 27 countries — together. EU institutions — fully in sync. This is a clear signal to Moscow that Europe will stand firm and that Europe cannot be broken by any destructive waves always concocted in the Kremlin. But at the same time — this is a clear signal across the Atlantic, a signal that Europe takes on its responsibilities. Secure. Strong. We await decisions from America.

I thank everyone who stands free! I thank each and every one who adds their personal strength to Ukraine's strength! We can win!

We must win!

Glory to Ukraine!"