President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the harsh situation in Donbas and announcing new sanctions against Russia.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians!

Today, the first ship with Ukrainian grain arrived at the Bosporus, overcoming a special corridor through the Black Sea that was agreed upon for unblocking our ports.

Our goal now is regularity: when one ship leaves the port, there should already be others waiting—both those being loaded and those approaching the port. Continuity and regularity are essential principles needed by all consumers of our agricultural products.

Much has been said about why it's important to restore Ukraine’s agricultural exports. I will add just one detail now. This year's export is necessary for our farmers and agribusinesses to have sufficient resources for next year's planting.

This is a matter of food security not only for us but also for the coming year.

Russia provoked a food crisis in order to use wheat, corn, and oil as weapons... Just like it does with gas and oil. Russia creates shortages, plays on price increases, and when this provokes social unrest—demands political concessions. This must not work with food.

Of course, we understand who we are dealing with. And in Russia they realize that they are losing one of their opportunities to terrorize the world.

But when the world is united and partners fulfill their commitments—achieving the necessary results becomes possible. Let's see how the grain initiative will work in the coming days.

And I want everyone in Ukraine to be aware of this despite the disinformation campaign about the grain initiative spread by enemies of our state... Every hryvnia earned by our farmers and all restored international ties for Ukraine will contribute to strengthening our country.

I spoke today with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. Of course, the key topic is defense support for our fight for freedom, an interaction that we must strengthen continuously in the interest of our shared goals.

Today I met with OSCE Chairman and Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau—I thanked him for his support.

In talks both with Mr. Stoltenberg and Mr. Rau, I paid special attention to the issue of our military prisoners held by Russia. This includes the Russian terror attack in Olenivka, which should become a decisive argument for all civilized countries around the world to officially recognize Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.

What else is needed? Is this not enough of a brutal and obvious act of terror to prompt key capitals around the world to adopt corresponding decisions regarding the recognition of Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism?

Of course, occupiers receive their principled answer for all their crimes on the battlefield. In this context, I would like to thank today President Biden and the entire American people for the new package of military support for Ukraine.

The word HIMARS has become almost synonymous with justice in our country, and Ukrainian defenders will do everything possible to make occupiers feel increasingly painful losses thanks to these very effective systems.

Yes, we still cannot fully break the Russian army's advantage in artillery and manpower, which is especially felt in battles, particularly in Donbas—Pisky, Avdiivka, other directions. It’s just hell there... This can’t even be described in words...

And every Ukrainian must always be grateful to our soldiers who defend Ukrainian positions there despite the significant firepower advantage of the terrorists.

But every day, our diplomats and all other representatives of our state do everything possible and impossible to obtain for Ukraine the weapons that will finally stop this horde and convince those who still doubt about supply.

Today I also thank these people—each and every one who ensures weapon supplies, who pushes through necessary decisions in partner countries, who literally lives in these arms negotiations.

We have new sanctions against Russia for the war—The United States and Canada expanded their list of individuals and entities subject to restrictions.

This is the right path, and it's necessary that the EU quickly fills in the sanction gap by adopting a new package of sanctions against the state sponsor of terrorism. We will work on this over the coming weeks.

Tonight I signed decrees to honor our defenders. State awards were conferred upon 167 members of Ukraine's Armed Forces, including 32 posthumously. Another decree honored 16 intelligence officers, one of whom was also posthumously awarded. Additionally—122 SBU employees, two of them posthumously.

Eternal glory to all who gave their lives for Ukraine!

Eternal glory to all who fight for independence!

Glory to Ukraine!"