President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about meetings with our defense and security command and coordinating work with partners regarding the confiscation of Russian assets.

"I wish good health to all Ukrainians!

The main thing today.

Today, I honored our soldiers with state awards, including "Crosses of Combat Merit" and the Order of "Golden Star." Soldiers, sergeants, officers, generals. Heroes of this war. Those who are already in history of our country. Among them is Lieutenant Colonel Vyacheslav Ageev of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. His unit was the first to destroy a Russian ballistic target—a missile that Moscow always boasted no one could shoot down—in May 2023.

I awarded Hero of Ukraine titles to General Valery Zaluzhny and Lieutenant General Kirill Budanov. I am grateful to everyone. Since the start of the full-scale war, more than 70 thousand soldiers from various elements of our defense and security forces have been honored with state awards. This bravery gives strength to Ukraine.

Today, I held meetings with the command of our Armed Forces and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. As a result of these meetings: first—I appointed a new Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. I thank Lieutenant General Serhiy Shapta for his service during these two years of war. At the proposal of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, I appointed Major General Anatoliy Bargilevich as the new Chief of the General Staff. An experienced person—understands the tasks of this war and Ukrainian goals.

Today, Commander-in-Chief Syrsky also determined candidates for deputies, and I will sign corresponding decrees. Also, deputies to the Chief of the General Staff have been appointed. All men—fighters, professionals, each with a clear understanding of the front and real needs of Ukrainian soldiers.

It is very important that Commander-in-Chief together with the Minister of Defense held talks with partners—Germany, France, the United States. I know that everything was discussed in maximum detail: supply, filling shortages, ammunition, weapons.

Today, I also held a meeting with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. During my trip to Kropyvnytskyi and at the regional meeting there, I tasked the prime minister to promptly address critical issues in the region. Regarding water supply stability, regarding uranium mining operations and social protection of workers. Also—security issues, including the possibility for local authorities to purchase REB equipment at their own expense to cover infrastructure. Practical questions. There are assignments for each; we will monitor their implementation.

In addition, we coordinated with the prime minister our work with partners regarding the confiscation of Russian assets. We continue to communicate on all levels—officially, expertly, and publicly—to expedite necessary decisions.

For every act of Russian despotism and terror, no matter how they manifest, the best response is losses for the state that started this war. Painful, felt losses. The more losses in the culprit of the war, the closer we can bring peace. A just peace and secure safety.

Today I also met with a bipartisan delegation of congressmen from the United States led by the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. I informed them about the current situation on the battlefield, critical threats, and the need for continued support for our defense. We mainly discussed three issues. The necessity of supporting this year's package and the new American aid package currently under discussion. A critical issue... Also PPO—specifically "Patriots." And the third key issue—the importance of long-range weapons, specifically 300 km range "HIMARS," for which there is no decision yet.

We value American leadership and its contribution to protecting Ukrainian independence and democracy from the first days of full-scale war. America helped Ukraine stand firm at a decisive moment. And now, in this year of war, it has not become easier. Challenges are extraordinary, and more voices in Europe are sounding about how Russia is preparing to expand aggression. Continued American support is needed. And I thank all our American partners who recognize this. We cannot allow the spread of war and Russian evil. Putin only sobered up when he saw strength before him. Strength is needed. Thank you to everyone who increases our strength.

And one more thing.

Today, I held a meeting with members of the international working group on the environmental consequences of war. This is one of the points in Ukraine's Peace Formula—the point about countering ecocide. Russia's war has caused catastrophic environmental damage to Ukraine and our Black Sea region—from blowing up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station to massive land mine contamination. We must address this issue now—along with everyone around the world willing to help. No aspect of this war should be left for our children, no frozen or postponed problems—we need to solve everything. And I thank all those who have the energy and resolve to make decisions.

Glory to all fighting and working for Ukraine's victory! Glory to all who help!

Glory to Ukraine!"