Dear Ukrainians,

Today, I have little to say, there is not much time, and there are a lot of emotions and even more tasks. This is the moment we are in now. A turning point when one can only talk about what is most important.

Yes, there is a negotiation process going on. But so far, it's just words. So far, there is no concrete information.

There are also other statements about the supposed withdrawal of Russian troops from Kyiv and Chernihiv. About supposedly reduced activity by the occupiers in these directions. We know that this is not a withdrawal but rather the result of expulsion. The result of our defenders' work. But we also see that at the same time, there is an accumulation of Russian forces for new attacks on Donbas. And to this, we are preparing.

We trust no one — not in any beautiful verbal constructions. There is a real situation on the battlefield. And now — that's what matters most. We will give nothing away. And we will fight for every meter of our land, for every person.

In such a situation as our state finds itself in today, there should be no discussions to which society and our political class are accustomed during peacetime.

If someone tries to teach our Armed Forces how to fight, how to withstand the enemy, then the best way is to go straight to the battlefield.

Not from a chair at home or in some place where you fled for safety. But from real combat encounters. If not ready for this — it's better not to start teaching our defenders and defenders.

Today was an extremely active diplomatic day for me. It was difficult. The priorities are known. There are three of them: weapons for Ukraine, new sanctions against Russia, and financial support for our country.

A conversation took place with US President Biden. Very detailed, it lasted an hour.

Of course, I thanked the United States for a new humanitarian aid package worth $1 billion and an additional $500 million in direct budget support. And emphasized that now — is a turning point.

I told President Biden what Ukraine needs. And was as honest with him as possible. The principled support of the United States for us is crucial. And now it's especially important to show solidarity with Ukraine and demonstrate the full might of the democratic world.

And if we want to fight for freedom together, then we ask our partners... If we truly choose freedom and protection for democracies together, then we have the right to demand help in this critical moment. Tanks, planes, artillery systems... Freedom must be armed no worse than tyranny.

This is what I also said today when addressing the Norwegian parliament and people. One of the countries that supported us deeply. Called for more support for Ukraine as well. Also with weapons and sanctions against Russia.

Today, I spoke with the President of Egypt and the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates. I am doing everything possible to ensure our people can defend themselves until justice is restored.

On Ukrainian soil and in the Black Sea region. This — is our fundamental interest. This — is our survival. We are fighting now for the survival of the Ukrainian nation. In this war, without any exaggeration, a Fatherland War against Russia.

And today I want to mention a few more important things.

Firstly, there are those who work together with everyone for the defense of the state. So that Ukraine can choose its future. We value the work of every such person. And then there are those who waste time and only aim to keep their positions. Today I signed my first decree recalling such a person. This ambassador from Morocco. Also recalled an ambassador from Georgia.

Despite all respect: if there is no weapons, no sanctions, no restrictions on Russian business — please look for another job.

I expect concrete results in the coming days from our representatives in Latin America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and African countries.

Such results I am waiting for soon from military attaches. The diplomatic front is one of the key fronts. And everyone there must work as effectively as possible towards victory and to support the army. Just like every defender on the battlefield, so too every person on the diplomatic front.

And secondly. Traditionally today, before recording this address, I signed a decree awarding state honors to our military personnel. 122 defenders, of whom 23 — posthumously.

Eternal glory to all who died for Ukraine!

Eternal glory to all our heroes!

Glory to Ukraine!»