President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, outlining steps needed for the return of Crimea and calling for pan-European visa solutions regarding Russian citizens.

"Ukrainians! Ukrainian women!

Today marks the anniversary of the detention by occupiers in Crimea of the first deputy head of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, Nariman Dzhelyal. He did not commit any crimes. The only thing that angered the occupiers was his defense of his people and his country — Ukraine.

Nariman Dzhelyal participated in the work of the Crimean Platform last year. He came from Crimea to the summit and told guests and participants about what is actually happening on the peninsula. About repression against everyone who tries to preserve their freedom and culture. About the degradation of life in Crimea during the occupation. Russian presence in our Crimea has turned it into one of the most dangerous and unfree places in Europe. And Mr. Dzhelyal wanted to change this, to return normal life to Crimea, to return Ukraine.

I believe that the Ukrainian flag and free life will return to Crimea once again. We will liberate all our land, all of our people.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine, our intelligence services, special forces are already taking necessary steps for this. These steps can be felt. And everyone sees — the occupiers have started running away from Crimea. This is the right choice for them all. We will return freedom to Crimea, to all our people in Crimea, and definitely make Crimea one of the best, most comfortable places in Europe. Crimea deserves it.

I held a new meeting of the General Headquarters today. Even though it's Sunday, there are no days off at war. The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, operational sector commanders, and intelligence chief reported. Good reports were given.

And I want to thank today the fighters of the 63rd battalion of the 103rd territorial defense brigade who secured a result in Donetsk: they liberated an inhabited locality.

The 54th Brigade on the Lysychansk-Siversk axis also made good progress, advancing forward and occupying certain heights.

I would like to highlight as well the 42nd Independent Motorized Infantry Battalion — thanks to its heroic actions, two inhabited localities in the south of our country were liberated.

Thank you all, boys!

Today I spoke with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. This was, as usual, a very substantive and useful conversation about all aspects of our relations.

I thanked for the support already provided. I also thanked for efforts to limit Russian windfall profits from oil and gas. Called on to speed up financial assistance to us, Ukraine. Discussed new sanctions steps. In particular, I believe that in the eighth sanction package there should be provisions for pan-European visa solutions regarding Russian citizens — such as those who would prevent anyone involved in this war from enjoying European hospitality.

If Russian citizens support terror against Ukraine and against all of Europe, if they silently watch genocide in Ukraine, then they should not have the opportunity to use Europe for fun and pleasure. This is an important moral matter. Europe is a territory of values, not a "Disneyland" for supporters of terrorism. And visa restrictions will clearly demonstrate this. The free world must encourage Russians to act — against those who started this war.

By the way, this also applies to the gas issue. Ukraine has repeatedly warned Europe that preserving "Nord Stream" connections with Russia would be a problem that could at any moment turn into a catastrophe. And so it happened.

Visa openness regarding citizens of an aggressor state, financial ties with Russia, energy dependence on Russia — all these are things that Moscow uses against Europe.

And I am grateful to those European leaders who recognize the level of threat.

A very important aspect of today's conversation with Ms. Ursula von der Leyen is the possibility for the EU Commission to conduct a quick assessment once we implement all her recommendations. We work every day for Ukraine's entry into the EU!

And every day, we do everything to return our flag to all of our territory where occupiers have come in. I thank all our soldiers who hold and advance our positions! Thank you all who help defend Ukraine! We will win together!

And finally. Today I received a report that two individuals directly involved in the tragic incident in Chernihiv were detained under suspicion of committing a criminal offense. The one who ordered to transport combat weapons to a public city event. And the one who allowed a child to take weapons into their hands. Criminal proceedings — at the State Bureau of Investigation.

Once again, I warn all representatives of local authorities and law enforcement agencies: ensure that there are no combat weapons or other dangerous means at public events.

People's lives are a shared responsibility for everyone who is supposed to guarantee security.

Glory to Ukraine!"