President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed our nation and called on residents of temporarily occupied communities to resist, as well as informed about additional social support for people affected by the war's consequences.

"Ukrainians! Ukrainian women!

All our defenders and defenders!

Today, Western Christians celebrate Easter. The most joyful Christian holiday. A celebration of life's victory over death.

The Ukrainian Catholic community unites millions of people. And I sincerely wish everyone peace. Wish to preserve the light of soul even in this dark time of war against our state. To preserve it so that we can soon see how good will inevitably triumph over evil and for our country, and truth will overcome any lie of the occupiers.

A beautiful gift for the holiday was made by our team at the "Games of the Unconquered," in which veterans and military personnel participate. On the first day of competitions that started in the Netherlands, Ukrainians won "gold," "silver," and "bronze."

Rodion Sitdikov won "gold" in shot put. Artem Lukashuk and Ivan Gerecun brought Ukraine "silver" and "bronze" in long jump. Thank you, boys, from all of us, from all Ukrainians!

This is always important, but now it's extraordinary. To honor our flag, to hear the Ukrainian anthem, and to honor our heroes.

But no matter what day or holiday it may be—the task for everyone in power remains unchanged. Work not just at one hundred percent, but at two hundred percent to ensure our defense. To arm Ukraine, provide financial support, and supply everything else.

I started today's meeting with military and officials regarding the situation in combat zones. Russian troops are preparing for an offensive operation on the eastern part of our country. Very soon. They want to literally crush and destroy Donbas. Destroy everything that once gave glory to this industrial region. Just as Russian soldiers destroyed Mariupol, they want to erase other cities and communities from Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

We are doing everything we can to ensure our defense. Constantly contacting partners. Grateful to those who help us in every way possible. But those who have the necessary weapons and ammunition for us and withhold their aid must know that they also bear responsibility for this battle's outcome. The fate of people who could be saved.

The 53rd day of war has already passed, and we've been waiting for answers to some points in our weapons requests for 53 days now. And some responses are formulated such that supply might start only in April. I directly say in these cases: every delay with weapons, every political procrastination—this is permission for Russia to take the lives of Ukrainians. This is how Russia interprets it. This should not be the case in reality.

Constant shelling of our city Kharkiv continues. Today Russian troops struck, among other places, on Culture Street, Shevchenko Street, and Darwin Street. Perhaps these are particularly dangerous words for Russia—"culture," "Shevchenko," "Darwin." What threatens its existence. As of now, five Kharkiv residents have been killed in this strike, at least 15 injured.

Only over the past four days in Kharkiv from Russian shelling, 18 people were killed, 106—wounded. This is nothing other than deliberate terror. Mortars and artillery against ordinary residential neighborhoods, against ordinary civilians.

The democratic world must react to what the occupiers are doing in Southern Ukraine—in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. There they are building concentration camps. Kidnapping local officials and anyone deemed prominent by their communities. Extorting teachers. Stealing money intended for pension payments. Blocking and stealing humanitarian aid. Driving people to hunger.

The occupiers also try to detach Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions as an example of so-called "DNR" and "LNR." They are converting this territory into a ruble zone and subordinating it to the administrative machinery of Russia.

All this requires greater speed from Western countries in preparing a new powerful sanctions package. The response to the attempt at "ruble occupation" of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions must be comprehensive sanctions on Russian banking and financial systems. Because they are part of the occupation machinery.

Of course, the need for an embargo on oil from Russia is growing every day. Everyone in Europe and America already sees that Russia openly uses energy resources to destabilize Western societies. The Russian bet on chaos in fuel markets must not pay off.

And I very much want today to once again support everyone who fights for Ukraine in the cities, communities of our country's south. Who protects our national symbols. Who defends our freedom. Every manifestation of such a fight complicates it for occupiers to carry out their mission.

Sabotage orders from occupiers. Do not cooperate with them. Protest. We need to hold on so that Russia does not succeed in disrupting life in other cities of Ukraine, as in Donetsk and Luhansk.

I spoke today with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva about securing financial stability for Ukraine and preparing for our country's reconstruction after the war. We touched upon specific areas of potential cooperation with the IMF both in the near future and over several years ahead. I am confident that progress in our relations with the fund will be noticeable. And I want to thank Ms. Kristalina for her personal and weighty support.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported today on the implementation of additional social assistance due to the war.

Firstly, every internally displaced person can receive financial aid for living expenses. Monthly this is 2 thousand hryvnia for an adult and 3 thousand hryvnia for a child. You can apply at the nearest CNAO office, social services, or from Wednesday—via "Diia."

Secondly, evacuation of people from areas affected by combat operations is ongoing. The government has set up special points to provide temporary accommodation and financial aid immediately at railway stations and train stations.

Thirdly, applications are being collected via "Diia" regarding destroyed or damaged housing. Make sure to submit an application if you have lost your apartment or house or it is damaged by shelling.

Fourthly, I call on employers, as difficult as this may be, to try and hire internally displaced persons. Every job saved and created now is a contribution to the defense of our country in war.

For every internally displaced person an employer hires, the enterprise will receive state co-financing for their wages. This amounts to 6 thousand 500 hryvnia. You can also submit an application on the "Diia" portal.

Traditionally in the evening I signed decrees honoring our heroes. State awards were conferred upon 188 military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 553 fighters of the National Guard, 64 border guards, five police officers, and 26 employees of the State Emergency Service.

Six defenders of Ukraine were awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.

And finally. Another greeting—also for our heroes, for Ukrainian firefighters.

Today is Fire Safety Day. And I sincerely congratulate everyone who protects people's safety and our land from fire. Who almost every day in peacetime acts as if on war.

Thank you for your service!

Thank you for saving lives!

Glory to Ukraine!"