President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the situation in the Black Sea and on the Donbas front as well as another significant step towards our closer ties with the EU.

"Ukrainians!

All of our defenders!

Of course, today's main word is "Snake". Probably, as much was said about Snake Island only that day when the Russian ship arrived there. Then the ship departed — forever, and now the island is free again. I am grateful to the Main Intelligence Directorate, Alpha unit fighters, our artillerymen, army aviation pilots and Air Force commanders of "Oleksandrivka".

Snake Island is a strategic point, and this significantly changes the situation in the Black Sea. This does not guarantee safety yet, it does not guarantee that the enemy will not return. But this already greatly limits the actions of the occupiers. Step by step we will drive them out of our sea, from our land, from our sky.

The situation on the Donbas remains the most severe and extremely difficult. The fire superiority of the occupiers is still felt — they have already used up everything from their reserves to hit us: in Luhansk, in Donetsk. I am grateful to everyone who defends our positions under these conditions. This is true heroism.

The United States announced today a new package of support for Ukraine, primarily defensive. I am grateful to President Biden for this help. Soon it will go to the front and work for Ukraine, for the defense of freedom.

I spoke about defensive support with the Federal President of Germany. Thanked for the assistance already provided. Emphasized our priorities once again — what kind of weapons we need. President Steinmeier expressed sympathy in connection with the inhumane attack on Kremenchuk and other cities.

Today another significant step was taken towards our closer ties with the European Union — Ukraine has started a substantial export of electricity to EU territory, into Romania. And this is only the first stage. We are preparing to increase supplies.

Thanks to Ukrainian electricity, a significant part of the Russian gas consumed by Europeans can be replaced. That is, this is not just an issue of export revenue for us, it's about security for all of Europe.

I want to remind you that our country joined the EU’s common energy system even after the start of the war. Ukraine is doing things that seemed impossible.

Today marks the end of France's presidency in the EU Council. An historic period when we received candidate status. Europe has become stronger during this time. The Czech Republic's presidency begins, and I am grateful to our Czech partners for making Ukraine’s reconstruction one of their priorities. It is truly important to start rebuilding as soon as possible on the territory that has already been liberated.

And our priority — this will be a task for all state representatives — everything must be done as quickly as possible to prepare for negotiations about membership. Government officials, deputies, diplomats — everyone should work on this 24 hours a day seven days a week. By the way, there will be news tomorrow from this topic. Ukraine's Eurointegration cannot be stopped.

Eternal glory to all who defend the state!

Eternal memory to everyone who gave their life for our freedom, for the freedom of Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!"