President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky delivered another address to the nation, outlining the prospects for our country's accession to the European Union and detailing a plan to strengthen sanctions against the Russian Federation.

"Free people of the most courageous country!

The 56th day of our defense is coming to an end, and today we have taken another step closer to peace.

I was pleased to welcome in Kyiv a great friend of our state and all Ukrainians — President of the European Council Charles Michel. Each such visit only underscores how futile were Russia's plans for occupying our country.

Three days? Five days? How long did the occupiers plan to take control of Ukraine? 56 days — and we are hosting our guests in our capital for our national interests.

We had very thorough talks with Charles Michel on various aspects of relations between Ukraine and the European Union. The main point, of course, is the protection of our state and support for the stable functioning of all state structures and institutions. We discussed specific steps from the side of the European Union to help our country. Specifically, defense, financial, and sanctions.

The second major topic of our talks — is our movement towards European integration. Right now is that historic moment when we can accelerate our accession to the EU at maximum speed. We have already proven that Ukrainian state and public institutions are effective enough to withstand even the test of war. We are doing so much for the freedom on the European continent that other nations haven't had to do.

And I see from all our friends in the European Union readiness to help our movement as much as possible. I thanked Charles for this today.

The third major topic of our talks — is preparing necessary steps for rebuilding Ukraine after the war. We also discussed what we can do together with the EU to eliminate the threats to food and energy security in Europe and around the world created by Russia. Restoring Ukrainian agricultural exports and blocking Russia's ability to blackmail Europe with energy resources — these are top priorities for everyone on the continent.

President Charles Michel before meeting with me visited Borodyanka in Kyiv Oblast. He was there not alone, but accompanied by his team. They saw firsthand what occupiers have done to our land. What destruction they left behind. And a very correct conclusion was made by our friends: there can be no peace without justice. We will do everything to hold accountable every Russian military and commander responsible for war crimes. Modern technologies allow us to establish many details. Every surname, every home address, every bank account — we will find it all.

Today a plan on strengthening sanctions against the Russian Federation for its war against our state was published. This plan was developed by a group of Ukrainian and international experts working under the leadership of Andriy Yermak and Michael McFaul.

When all key directions outlined in this plan are implemented, Russia will lose the ability to finance its war machine. Specifically, the plan envisages restrictions for the Russian energy sector, banking sector, export-import operations, transportation. Among the immediate steps should be an oil embargo and a complete ban on the supply of petroleum products from Russia.

We are also working so that all — I emphasize this — all state officials in Russia who support this disastrous war receive logical sanction responses from the democratic world.

Russia should be recognized as a sponsor of terrorism, and Russian armed forces should be designated as a terrorist organization.

Currently, preparations for the sixth sanctions package are underway in the EU. We discussed this today with Charles Michel. We are working to make it truly painful for Russia's war machine and the country as a whole.

I emphasize at every negotiation that sanctions are needed not as an end in themselves, but as a practical tool to encourage Russia to seek peace.

It is important that the EU representation has resumed work in Kyiv and friendly countries' embassies have returned. This is one of those signals needed to tell Russia there's no alternative to peace. No alternative to ending the war and guaranteeing full security for Ukraine. The more diplomatic representations return to our capital, the stronger this vital signal will be.

In various formats, 18 foreign representations are already working in Kyiv. Among them Italy, Iran, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Vatican City, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, France, Czech Republic, Estonia and others.

The return to normal life of liberated cities and communities is ongoing. 934 populated places have been freed so far. Police resumed work in 435 populated areas. Local self-government has started operating in 431 communities. Humanitarian headquarters operations began in 361 populated places. We are gradually restoring people's access to medical and educational services, social protection institutions. Restoring road connections, electricity supply, gas and water.

Among the biggest threats still remain mines and booby traps set by occupiers, as well as unexploded ordnance. To neutralize all of them takes a lot of time and effort. And I am grateful to all experts, rescuers who are carrying out this important task.

Once again calling on our citizens returning to liberated communities to be very careful. Do not enter territory that has not yet been checked. Do not go into forests for now. If you see anything resembling a mine or booby trap, immediately inform the police and rescuers. Don't delay and don't try to remove dangerous items yourself.

The situation in eastern and southern parts of our country remains extremely harsh. Occupiers do not give up attempts through new large-scale offensives to achieve any kind of victory for themselves. At least something they can "feed" their propaganda with.

And I am sincerely grateful to each of our defenders, every one of our defenders, all Armed Forces of Ukraine, all our cities, all our communities that resist the oppressors. Who hold on and by their struggle save our state without exaggeration.

Mariupol, Avdiivka, Marinka, Krasnogorovka, Toretsk, Velyka Novosilka, Zolote, Popasna, Izium, Kharkiv, Hulyai Pole, Mykolaiv, Vishneve, Snizhne and dozens of other cities, communities in the east, southern Ukraine where our people's fate, freedom is being decided.

We are doing more than maximum to ensure weapons supply for our army. Every day all our diplomats, representatives and I personally through all possible channels — official and unofficial — work in a 24/7 mode to accelerate the delivery of aid.

And I am very pleased to say, to say with cautious optimism, that our partners are now better understanding our needs. Understanding exactly what we need. And when we need it all. Not in weeks, not in a month, but immediately. Right now, as Russia is trying to intensify its attacks.

Traditionally before recording the address I signed an order on awarding our defenders. State awards were conferred upon 203 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including 49 posthumously.

Five of our soldiers have been awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine posthumously.

Eternal memory to each one who gave their life for Ukraine!

Eternal gratitude to all who stood up in defense of our state!

Glory to Ukraine!"