President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the only rational response to the audacity of occupiers and Russia's latest false statements.

"Ukrainians! Ukrainian women!

I just participated in a meeting of the UN Security Council. This is a special session convened at our initiative. Thank you to all partners who supported the convening of this session and clearly stood up for Ukraine and international law.

Fundamental norms of international law! The crime of aggression against our state, farce on occupied territory that occupiers call referendums, preparation for another attempt at annexation of Ukrainian territory — all this is steps towards undermining the UN Charter.

I called upon Security Council members to stop him who stands against everyone in the world. This is possible. It is possible right now, before the final destructive steps are taken.

At the Security Council meeting, I emphasized that the implementation by Russia of what they call a Crimean scenario and another attempt at annexation of Ukrainian territory would mean there's nothing to talk about with this Russian President. This is clear and unambiguous.

Any criminal actions by Russia will not change anything for Ukraine.

We recognize the UN Charter, we recognize basic principles of coexistence among nations. And we will continue to act to protect normal life in Ukraine, Europe, and around the world.

We will act to protect our people in Kherson region, Zaporizhzhia oblast, Donbas, and temporarily occupied areas of Kharkiv oblast, as well as in Crimea.

This farce on occupied territory cannot even be called an imitation of referendums.

What they will fabricate as a result was known beforehand. Even intelligence services did not need to make much effort. Agreed figures for this farce were planted in the media. Russia does not hide anything.

The only rational response to such audacity of an occupier is even more support for Ukraine. And I thank our partners who confirm such support: defensive, financial, and sanctions-based.

I spoke today with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Thanked him for his resolute condemnation of Russian pseudo-referendums. Discussed in detail the situation at the front line and further support for Ukraine's Armed Forces from alliance members.

Every new Russian strike on Ukrainian cities, our civilian objects proves that the current level of defensive support for Ukraine is insufficient. We clearly tell this to our partners. And they hear us. This is important.

Today in Kyiv I held talks with France's Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Relations. France makes significant efforts to really help our country and solve crises created by Russia. Discussed in detail with the minister the situation at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, our defense needs, and our joint reaction to each further provocative step of Russia with pseudo-referendums.

Today in Moscow came out new false statements regarding a very important achievement by Ukraine and our partners — the resumption of our maritime grain export. Clearly, Russia is preparing to try to sabotage the grain initiative. Informing partners about this.

Export statistics are absolutely transparent and available to everyone in the international community.

Over 5 million tons of agricultural products have been exported from our three ports. 232 ships have departed. If we take only African countries, then our agricultural produce has already been exported to Algeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Libya, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Tunisia.

To prevent Russia from putting these and other countries in a food crisis again, action must be taken immediately.
And I thank everyone who opposes Russian destabilization policy! I thank everyone who helps protect our state!

Regarding the front line, I will say briefly for now without details, although they are good: we are advancing and liberating our land.

Glory to Ukraine!"