"Ukrainians, Ukrainian women!"

Our defenders and defenderesses!

I do not tire of repeating these words when addressing everyone—everyone who defends the state. Today, these words ring especially true. On International Nurses Day. A professional holiday for tens of thousands of Ukrainians and Ukrainian women—the medical brothers—who are doing one of the most important jobs to win—the job of saving the lives of our soldiers and civilians.

I had the honor today of presenting state awards and decorations to representatives of this profession. To those who did not stop working and saving people under enemy shelling and during occupation.

Tetyana Tarasenko, Alla Chernets, and Lyudmila Huzak from Sumy region. Vira Tselyk, Oksana Umanets, and Iryna Vernygora from Chernihiv. Oksana Balandinii from Luhansk region. Svitlana Klimenko and Mariia Adamenko from Kyiv region. Nataliia Abashnik from Kharkiv.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank all medical sisters, all healthcare workers who help Ukrainians fight every day and night. And I call on everyone today who has not yet thanked them: do it now. Eight years of war in Donbas, two years of pandemic, and three months of full-scale war—they have dedicated their entire professional lives to you, us—all of society—so that Ukraine may live.

It was very pleasant for me to see the working conditions of our medical staff at the Children's Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Center in Kyiv. The new wing of the center was built within the framework of our "Great Construction" program. And this is indeed a modern wing. You feel here that our healthcare system, our medicine can truly be on par with the best global healthcare systems.

We invested in the development of healthcare and social infrastructure before the war, and we will definitely continue to do so after the war. Let occupiers not hope they will stop us.

During the period of military operations since February 24, Russian troops destroyed 570 health care facilities. Completely destroyed 101 hospitals. What is this? This is madness. This is barbarism. This is self-destruction for Russia as a state that anyone in the world could look at as a cultural nation.

Tonight, they struck Chernihiv region again, even schools. Of course, education only hinders such a Russian state. But what can be achieved by destroying Ukrainian schools?

All Russian commanders who issue such orders are simply sick. And incurably.

But all the hospitals that occupiers destroyed, all the schools, universities they bombed—all buildings, bridges, enterprises—we will restore everything.

Occupants hit today again in Poltava region, Kremenchuk. Again at a factory so people don't have fuel. Really sick. In Zaporizhzhia region, cities and villages of Donbas. But what does this give them?

Russian strategic defeat is already obvious to the whole world and even those who still communicate with them. There's just no courage in Russia yet to admit it. They are cowards. And they try to hide the truth behind rocket, aviation, and artillery strikes. So our task—fight until we achieve our goals in this war—to liberate our land, our people, and ensure our security.

Spoke with the President of Finland. Discussed Ukraine's Eurointegration and defense cooperation with him.

Also spoke with Slovakian President Zuzana Čaputová. Thanked her for support to Ukraine. Agreed on further steps across all areas: defense, sanctions, economy, especially fuel imports, and closer ties with the European Union.

Preparing to continue special formats of communication with friendly societies, including students from partner countries. Soon addressing American students as well. Also speaking to students in European countries. We need to spread our Ukrainian ideas and explain at all levels how we Ukrainians see Europe and the world after this war—a war that changes everything in global politics.

Grateful to Ukraine's friend, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for his address to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine today. This is an important show of support. Even more importantly, the Netherlands advocate a ban on Russian oil and are ready to implement it without delay.

Signed decrees honoring our defenders. The title Hero of Ukraine was awarded to Colonel Roman Volodymyrovych Kachur, commander of the 55th Separate Artillery Brigade under Operational Command "East" of the Ground Forces. State awards were bestowed upon 269 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including 14 posthumously.

Eternal glory to all who stood in defense of Ukraine!

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

Glory to Ukraine!"