President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, once again emphasizing the need for our country's Euro-integration and spoke about the situation in Donbas.

"Ukrainians! Ukrainian women!

Our defenders and defenderesses!

Today is a double day of significance for our country. It's Science Day. And Europe Day.

I congratulate our scientists who, despite all difficulties, work to preserve and develop Ukraine’s scientific potential.

Of course, in the time of a full-scale war, all societal and state forces can be directed only towards defense. And this means significant limitations for science, cultural sphere, and other fundamental parts of social life. But such is the time. We are doing everything to return as soon as possible to peacetime rules.

And I also want to say words of gratitude to everyone who is putting effort into making Ukraine finally a part of united Europe. To all our diplomats, all state servants who now have the task within weeks that other countries took years to accomplish when they joined the European Union.

I also want to emphasize: our Euro-integration path is not just about politics. It's about quality of life and how Ukrainians feel life values as much as the overwhelming majority of Europeans do.

Today in Kyiv, I held talks with Portugal’s Prime Minister. Thanked him for all the support that Portugal currently provides to Ukraine. This is defense, political, and humanitarian support. I am grateful for the warm attitude towards our people who found refuge on Portuguese soil.

Discussed with Mr. Prime Minister further strengthening of sanctions against the Russian Federation. As well as post-war reconstruction of our country. Portugal is ready to join in restoring Ukraine, rebuilding Ukrainian schools and kindergartens. And I want to remind that during the full-scale war, the Russian army has already destroyed 1873 educational institutions. This is a colossal scale of losses.

But when you are united with Europe, American leadership, and the entire free world, you can overcome even this.

I am grateful to President Biden for signing the Congress-approved support package for Ukraine worth $40 billion without delay. This is a historic contribution to defending freedom in Europe.

Spoke today with Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Draghi as well. The main focus was on the military situation and how we can speed up Ukraine's victory. Agreed that there should be accelerated sixth sanctions package against Russia. Grateful for full support from Italy on the path to the European Union.

The military situation today has not seen significant changes. But it was really tough. Actually, just being able to say this on day 87 of a full-scale war against Russia is not bad news.

Russia aimed all its resources to destroy us. In Russian regions, they openly admit that their so-called special operation is the cause for economic decline, including such sectors as construction and many others. As well as causing people's impoverishment which may be even greater than in the 1990s.

Rising prices, devaluation of incomes, destruction of all that economic potential created in Russia since the 2000s – this does not stop the occupiers. But their colossal war expenses do not help them either and will not.

The situation on Donbas is extremely difficult. As in previous days, the Russian army attempts to advance towards Sloviansk and Severodonetsk.

Ukrainian armed forces are holding this advance back. Every day that our defenders and defenderesses thwart these Russian plans by cutting them off is a concrete contribution towards the approaching main day – the long-awaited day of victory we all look forward to and fight for.

And no Russian strikes – neither rockets on Rivne, nor artillery on Kharkiv or Sumy regions, nor any possible weapons on Donbas – will give Russia results.

Signed a decree today awarding our heroes. 215 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been awarded state honors. Of them, 30 posthumously.

Almost every day I sign such or similar decrees about honoring our defenders and defenderesses, about conferring the title of Hero of Ukraine. And this reflects the severity of the military situation. The war, unfortunately, continues. It has not ended yet. We still need to fight on and move forward towards victory.

Perhaps in some cities behind the front lines, it seems that one can forget about the war and become indifferent or even negligent. But no, this is not so. Every day Ukrainians die for our independence!

And each of us must daily care to help defense. Help the army. In whatever way we can.

Eternal glory to all who stood up in defense of Ukraine!

Eternal memory to every one who gave their life for our country!

Glory to Ukraine!"