President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation and spoke about the necessity to strengthen sanctions against the state-aggressor, as well as urgent defensive measures to halt a new offensive by occupiers.

"Ukrainians! Ukrainian women!

Our defenders and defenderesses!

The 47th day of the Russian-Ukrainian war, this disastrous invasion that progressively erases Russia from international relations. It is becoming more toxic with each passing day. Now it's only a matter of time until Russian actions and military crimes compel everyone in the world to sever ties with the Russian Federation.

In northern regions of our country, where occupiers were expelled, security work continues. Primarily this involves demining. Russian troops left behind tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dangerous items. These are unexploded ordnance and mines. Every day several thousand such items are neutralized.

Occupiers left mines everywhere. In buildings they occupied. On the streets, in fields. They mined people's property, vehicles, doors. Deliberately making it as dangerous as possible for residents to return after de-occupation. Due to Russian army actions, our territory is now one of the most heavily mined areas in the world. And I consider this also a war crime by Russian troops. They deliberately did everything they could to kill or injure as many of our people as possible even when forced to retreat from our land. Without proper orders, they wouldn't have done it.

Today I met on Bankova Street with an expert group that is working on the creation of a special mechanism for pre-trial investigation and judicial consideration of all war crimes committed by occupiers. We are studying the legal path to hold occupiers accountable, which will be as effective as possible and as quick as possible. So we don't have to wait decades while international legal procedures conclude, but accelerate justice. I expect that options for creating such a special mechanism will be presented soon.

Today from the side of occupiers there was a new statement indicating their preparation for a new stage of terror against Ukraine and our defenders. One of the occupiers' spokespersons stated they could use chemical weapons against Mariupol's defenders. We are taking this extremely seriously.

I want to remind world leaders that the possible use of chemical weapons by Russian troops was already discussed. And at that time it meant that a much tougher and faster response to Russian aggression was necessary.

Now the European Union is beginning discussions on the sixth sanctions package against Russia. It's time to make this package so strong that even words about weapons of mass destruction from the Russian side no longer ring out. Oil embargo against Russia — it's essential. Any new sanctions package against Russia that doesn't touch oil will be met with a smirk in Moscow.

I spoke about the need to strengthen sanctions against Russia both in my address to the parliament and people of the Republic of Korea.

This week I will continue such communication with partner countries. Tomorrow I will address the parliament and people of the Republic of Lithuania.

By the way, today Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Šimonytė was visiting Ukraine. I am grateful to her for support, as well as to all Lithuanian people.

I discussed issues of holding accountable those responsible for crimes against Ukrainians with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte today. Another important topic of our conversation was the strengthening of sanctions against Russia. We will continue coordinating our steps to compel the Russian Federation to seek peace.

Cooperation in the energy sector I discussed with Norwegian Prime Minister. Thanked for support aimed at compelling Russia towards peace.

Had a conversation with the President of Senegal, head of the African Union. Informed him about the current situation in Ukraine, global threats created by Russian invasion.

The key task today and every day at this time is concrete defensive measures. This specific strengthening of our capabilities to repel any attacks by Russian troops. I am engaged in this almost around the clock. Confident that people see this too. As well as they see that military-technical capabilities of the enemy are still very high. Yes, Ukrainians are indomitably brave. Our Armed Forces defeat occupiers with wisdom and thought-out tactics unavailable to Russian troops.

But when it comes to necessary weapons, we still depend on supply, our partners.

Unfortunately, we do not receive as much as needed to end this war faster. To completely destroy the enemy on our land. And to fulfill tasks that are obvious for every person. Including unblocking Mariupol.

If we received planes and sufficient heavy armored equipment, necessary artillery, we could do it. But...

We still have to negotiate about this. Still have to convince. Still have to push for necessary decisions. Confident that we will get almost everything we need. But time is lost. Ukrainian lives are lost. Lives that can never be returned.

And this — is the responsibility of those who still keep weapons needed by Ukraine in storage. A responsibility that will forever remain in history.

As will our gratitude remain in history. Gratitude to countries and politicians who really helped. Who did not hesitate. Who did not bargain when lives depended on help.

Signed several important decrees today. State awards were conferred upon 187 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 15 fighters of the National Guard of Ukraine and six servicemen of the Main Intelligence Directorate. The title of Hero of Ukraine was awarded to five servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including two colonels of medical service:

Ivchuk Viktor Mykhailovych — thanks to his actions, hundreds of lives were saved in Mariupol. Both military and civilian;

Slesarenko Oleksandr Petrovych — thanks to his actions in Chernihiv city, medical assistance was provided to over four hundred fifty servicemen and more than six hundred civilians.

Grateful to all our heroes!

Glory to everyone who defends Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!"