President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the second stage of the evacuation operation from Mariupol and reminding people of the lessons of World War II.

"Ukrainians! Ukrainian women!

Today I will start with a story about one person. About Oleksandr Makhov — a well-known journalist. I am sure you have seen his reports on TV channels "Ukraine" and "Home". Perhaps, you have read his comments and articles. He was always like that — with his own position. Patriotic and sincere. And always without self-pity. Always among the bravest, among the first. Always worked in the hottest spots. Tried to bring real material. Strong material.

In 2017, he was the first Ukrainian journalist on our station in Antarctica. When COVID came, he did not fear it. For two weeks, he lived in Sanzhary where Ukrainians were brought from China. From the very first day of full-scale war, he was at the front. A volunteer. Veteran of ATO. Soldier of the 95th airborne assault brigade.

He himself is from Luhansk Oblast. He felt particularly what this war means.

Today, he was killed near Izium in Kharkiv region. He was 36 years old. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. May his son Vladyslav know that Russia will be held responsible for this death. We are definitely going to achieve victory for Ukraine. I am sure it was Oleksandr's dream, and we will make it come true.

Eternal memory to him and all our heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine!

Today the second stage of our evacuation operation from Mariupol has been completed. 344 people were saved — from the city itself and its surroundings. Exactly that many people left today for Zaporizhzhia. Our team is preparing to meet them. To welcome them just as we welcomed more than 150 people who were evacuated from "Azovstal". All of them receive necessary assistance. All of them will be treated with utmost care by our state.

Grateful to everyone involved in making the evacuation operation happen and successful: Iryna Vereshchuk, Andriy Yermak, David Arakhamia, UN representatives, International Committee of the Red Cross, each person who contributed to reaching an agreement and securing a safe passage for people.

We are committed and hope to continue rescuing people from "Azovstal", from Mariupol. There are still civilians there. Women, children.

To save them, we need an extended ceasefire regime. The Ukrainian side is ready to provide it. Time is needed just to get the people out of those basements, underground shelters. With current conditions, we cannot use special equipment to clear debris. Everything has to be done manually. But we believe that everything will work out.

Today I spoke with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. About what was already achieved and about what still needs to be done to save the residents of Mariupol and defenders of the city. There has not been a day when I or we have not worked on this.

I also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Bennett. Congratulated him on Israel's Independence Day. Discussed the situation in eastern Ukraine, especially in Mariupol. Also discussed scandalous and absolutely unacceptable statements by Russia’s foreign minister that outraged the entire world.

Spoke with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Agreed on what diplomatic steps are needed for peace. Discussed how to hold all war criminals accountable. Every Russian soldier and every commander who killed, tortured, and mistreated our people.

Today, Russian occupiers launched another missile strike against our cities. Dnipro was hit. They bombed Mykolaiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia. Cities in Donbas and other regions of Ukraine. All these crimes will receive their due response — both legal and practical on the battlefield.

Today I addressed the people of Denmark to mark Liberation Day. 77 years ago, Nazis were expelled from this country. Every year in March, all Europeans, all decent people around the world remember this feat — victory over the worst evil in human history. Victory against Nazism.

But remembering means more than just remembering. It means remembering and really trying to prevent it ever happening again what Nazis did to Europe. Ukrainians and Ukrainian women together with our friends and partners — an anti-war coalition, like the anti-Hitler coalition once was — are now holding back those who have clearly forgotten why people rejoiced in 1945. Because if everyone in Russia truly remembered, this war would not have started at all.

As usual before recording my evening address to you, I signed a decree awarding our defenders state honors. State awards were conferred on 35 servicemen of the 19th rocket brigade of Ukraine's Ground Forces.

Grateful to all our heroes!

To everyone who stood up for our country.

Glory to Ukraine!"