President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, informing about his active diplomatic work and the necessity of the seventh package of European Union sanctions against the aggressor.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians!

Today was a day of very active foreign policy work — almost a marathon of phone calls. We are expanding the circle of those who support Ukraine's candidate status, and we are adding confidence that the decision on Friday will be positive.

Slovakia. In a conversation with Prime Minister Heger, we coordinated our positions ahead of the European Council meeting.

Lithuania. I thanked President Nauseda for the Three Seas Summit decision to grant Ukraine partner status and also coordinated our steps.

Hungary. There was a very fruitful conversation with Prime Minister Viktor Orban. I invited him to visit Ukraine and thanked him for his important support of our sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state. We agreed to develop cooperation in energy.

Portugal. We agreed with Mr. Prime Minister António Costa to involve Portugal's experience in our rapprochement with the European Union.

Next — Denmark. I thanked for support of Ukraine, especially military aid. Also noted Ms. Frederiksen's speech at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine today.

Spain. Noted in a conversation with Prime Minister Sánchez that our interaction will strengthen both Ukraine and the entire European Union. Discussed possible results of the Madrid NATO summit, which is scheduled for late June.

Ireland. Highlighted Ireland's active support of our Euro-integration and invited Irish Prime Minister Martin to visit Ukraine.

Croatia. I am confident that we can expand our cooperation both on a bilateral level, and at the European level structures. Thanked Mr. Prime Minister Plenković for Croatia's support of Ukraine.

I was glad to see in Kyiv a great friend of our country — Luxembourg's Prime Minister Bettel. And I want to once again draw attention to the help from Luxembourg. 15% of this state’s defense budget — that is the contribution to Ukraine's defense. It immediately feels both the greatness and nobility of the state.

Mr. Bettel visited today as well cities in Kyiv region, which were liberated from occupiers. I am grateful to him for his sincere understanding of our people and Luxembourg’s readiness to participate in post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.

My schedule tomorrow — is just as intense as today. I will do everything so that the historic decision of the European Union is adopted. This is important for us.

By the way, today, without delay, signed yesterday's law on ratification of the Istanbul Convention. Protection of all people from violence and discrimination — this is our principle.

In all negotiations I consistently emphasize: the seventh package of European Union sanctions is needed as soon as possible. Russia must feel constant pressure for its war and aggressive anti-European policy. Another Russian threat to Lithuania, another wave of energy pressure, another batch of lies from Russian officials about food crisis — all this is an argument to approve the seventh package of sanctions.

The situation on the front line — without significant changes. With tactical maneuvers, the Ukrainian army is reinforcing defense in Luhansk region — that's where it's really tough now. Occupants are seriously pressing on the Donetsk direction as well. In Kharkiv region — brutal and cynical Russian artillery shelling. They will give nothing to occupiers, but the Russian army is deaf to any rationality. Just destroys, just kills — showing this way to its command that it's not standing still. In the south we are defending our Mykolaiv region, our Zaporizhzhia, gradually liberating Kherson region.

And as actively as we fight for a positive decision of the European Union on Ukraine’s candidate status, every day we also fight for supply of modern weapons to our state. We do not abandon our activity for a single day. The lives of thousands of people depend directly on the speed of our partners — on how quickly they implement their decisions about help to Ukraine.

Signed today two major decrees awarding our defenders and defenders. At the proposal of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 210 participants in combat operations were awarded, three posthumously. By the submission of the Minister of Internal Affairs, state awards were bestowed on 255 National Guard fighters, including 41 posthumously, 41 border guards, including 12 posthumously, and 45 police officers.

And I want you to realize: when I speak about signing such decrees, this is not just routine and something mechanical. Only thanks to the mass bravery and wisdom of our people on the battlefield does Ukraine live and truly can count on victory.

Eternal glory to all who fight for our country!

Eternal memory to all who gave their lives for Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!»