President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, informing about further steps that bring us closer to the European Union and about military operations along the entire front line.

"Ukrainians! Ukrainian women!

Today, the Verkhovna Rada worked quite effectively and, in particular, supported several important laws and ratifications that bring us closer to the European Union. No matter how difficult it was — even under such war conditions — we are moving step by step towards full membership in the EU.

I have just signed these documents — on joining the Convention on Facilitation of Cross-Border Inland Transport and the Convention on a Uniform Custom Procedure. They represent the practical implementation of customs-free movement. We did this within record time, completely coordinated — all branches of government.

And I want to thank everyone involved in our diplomatic efforts, officials, deputies who ensured this result. Ukraine will be a full member of the EU — and we are closer to Europe than ever before in decades.

Representatives of the IAEA have already arrived in our country to visit the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. This is an important mission, and we are doing everything possible for it to take place safely and fully.

Unfortunately, Russia does not stop provocations precisely from those directions where the mission should arrive at the station. But I hope that the IAEA mission will be able to start its work.

The situation at Zaporizhzhia AES and in Enerhodar, in surrounding areas remains extremely dangerous. The occupiers do not leave the station, continue shelling, do not remove their weapons and ammunition from the territory of the NPP. They are intimidating our nuclear workers. The risk of a radiological disaster due to Russian actions is not decreasing by even an hour.

Tonight I spoke about this with President of France Emmanuel Macron. We coordinated our positions in protecting Ukraine and Europe from Russian radiation blackmail. During the day, I discussed the situation at Zaporizhzhia NPP and mission directions to the station with IAEA Director General Grossi. I hope that together with international organizations, with all our partners we will be able to return the station under full Ukrainian control and force Russia to remove all its military personnel, weapons from the station. Immediate and complete demilitarization of Zaporizhzhia NPP is needed.

Only Ukraine can guarantee that processes at Zaporizhzhia will proceed according to standards and under control. This is simply not necessary for Russia.

I also met today with American senators — Mr. Portman and Ms. Klobuchar, who arrived in Kyiv. These are people who have done a lot for the protection of our country and freedom in Europe and around the world. I thanked them for bipartisan support.

The key topic of the talks was, of course, our interaction with the United States and necessary steps for our joint victory in this battle for freedom.

In particular, we discussed strengthening support for Ukraine — financial and security, strengthening sanctions against Russia — these sanctions should grow like a snowball to crush the terrorist potential of that country.

Throughout today, occupiers brutally shelled Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, other cities. And almost everywhere — civilian infrastructure.

Just one Russian attack on Kharkiv claimed five lives today, another 12 were injured. There are victims from other attacks as well... Eternal memory to all whose lives were taken by the occupiers!

The armed forces of our country, our special services, our intelligence do everything possible and impossible so that every Russian soldier inevitably feels Ukrainian response to this terrible terror that Russia brought to our land.

Across all temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, from Crimea to Kharkiv region, there will be no safe bases or quiet places for the Russian army. Our defenders will destroy all occupant supplies, headquarters, their equipment wherever they are located. Under Sevastopol — so under Sevastopol. Under Luhansk — so under Luhansk. This is Ukrainian land, and occupiers can do only two things: flee or surrender to captivity. We leave them no other options.

Active military operations are currently taking place almost along the entire front line — both in the south, on Kharkiv region, and in Donbas. I especially want to thank today the fighters of the 56th and 110th brigades who show maximum steadfastness and heroism on the Avdiivka axis, soldiers of the 53rd and 93rd brigades who defend the Bakhmut axis, defending bravely, wisely, heroically.

Russian military command received an order to capture Donetsk region by the end of August. The end of August — that is already tomorrow. And in Donbas — Ukrainian flag and Ukrainian heroes. Despite everything — despite round-the-clock Russian fire, despite attempts by occupiers to bring various mercenaries and «prisoners» there...

I thank everyone who holds their ground, defends positions, and accurately «minus» the occupiers, their equipment, logistics, ammunition.

Also today I want to once again draw attention of all our people in Crimea: please stay as far away from Russian military objects as possible. Do not be near Russian bases and military airfields, inform special services of Ukraine about any information you have on the occupiers so that the liberation of Crimea happens faster.

Eternal glory to all our heroes!

Eternal glory to everyone who helps fight for life and independence!

Glory to Ukraine!»