President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, congratulated our military on their professional holiday, Infantry Day, and spoke about continuing the evacuation mission in Mariupol.

"Ukrainians and Ukrainian women!

Our defenders and our defenderesses!

I wish you good health!

Today was a full day, which began and ended with honoring our heroes, our defenders.

On the occasion of Infantry Day, the professional holiday of Ukrainian soldiers who are the foundation of the army, I met with our military in the morning. I thanked them for their service. I presented awards, including — our new combat badge.

You know that during Ukraine's independence there was no such combat badge. And today I had the honor to present this very badge — Cross of Combat Merit. And the first person to whom I decided to present this cross is General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. For courage, for wisdom, for organizing an effective defense against Russian aggression. I am confident that such a defense will not be forgotten by the Russian army for long.

Such badges — Cross of Combat Merit — were received by: Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Yevhen Moysiyuk, combat medic of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade Sergeant Dariya Mazurenko, commander of the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade Colonel Oleksandr Ohrimenko, deputy commander of a mechanized battalion of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade Captain Vladyslav Kaliyevskyi.

Combat awards — this is a fair new tradition for a state that defends its independence on the battlefield.

Also established is a special badge "For Courage and Bravery" for combat units that demonstrated extraordinary bravery and effectiveness in battles for Ukraine. It was awarded to seven brigades.

I also presented Orders of "Golden Star" to our defenders who received the title of Hero of Ukraine. As well as relatives of those heroes whose title was posthumously bestowed upon them.

We continue the evacuation mission from Mariupol, specifically from "Azovstal", through the mediation of the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Throughout the day, our team organized rescue for over 40 civilians — women and children. We hope that they will soon be able to arrive in safe territory after two months under shelling, simply underground — in shelters.

We are also working on diplomatic options for rescuing our military who remain at "Azovstal". Influential mediators are involved. Influential states.

Russian forces continued to shell our territory, including missile and air strikes. I ask all of our citizens — especially these days — not to ignore air raid alerts. Please, this is your life, the lives of your children. Also strictly follow orders regarding public order and curfew in cities and communities.

Please strictly adhere to the ban on visiting forests in areas that were occupied. There remains a great danger from mines and booby traps left behind by Russian troops.

I held a meeting with foreign ministers of three Baltic states in Kyiv. They consistently support our fight against Russian aggression. Have supported since day one. Very grateful. And today, as always, we had a thorough and beneficial discussion for Ukraine. We are coordinating our steps to increase pressure on Russia.

And this is especially important now when the European Union is preparing a new, already sixth sanctions package against Russia.

I also participated in a very influential British expert forum Chatham House. This is one of the most weighty international platforms for political work and lobbying — in a good sense of this word — beneficial state decisions. I presented our initiative on updating global security architecture. So that in the world, finally, there will be tools for truly quick response to any external aggression.

I addressed the parliament of Iceland. Thanked the government and people of Iceland for supporting sanctions decisions necessary to curb Russia. And also called on Icelandic politicians, diplomats, ordinary citizens to help in defending our freedom. Called upon them to be advocates of freedom. Advocates of Ukraine. Because freedom is shared with us by them as well as with all other peoples of the free world.

This is exactly where — the extraordinary power of Ukraine's position lies. We are defending ourselves against an attack of tyranny that wants to destroy everything that freedom gives people and states. And such a fight — for freedom and against tyranny — is completely understandable to any society in any corner of our planet.

Already this evening I signed decrees on awarding our heroes. Our brave defenders and defenderesses. Thanks to whom Ukraine survived and firmly holds out despite everything that Russia tries to do to break us.

So awards were awarded to 203 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and 16 servicemen of the Main Intelligence Directorate.

Once again, I congratulate all infantry soldiers with their professional day.

Glory to all our defenders, glory to all our defenderesses!

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

Glory to Ukraine!"