President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the project to build a new navy for our country and about the joint statement by leaders of nine NATO countries.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians!

Important events took place today in Turkey — during the visit of First Lady Ukraine, head of the Presidential Office and other representatives of our country.

In Olena's presence, the first corvette for our state was launched. The corvette "Hetman Ivan Mazepa."

Its construction began as early as 2021 and will be completed on schedule. I consider it very symbolic that it bears exactly this name. Despite centuries of Russian propaganda, historical truth and justice prevail.

And there is no reason for our project to build a new navy for Ukraine to falter. We are implementing all planned projects. Our goal is to establish a full-fledged base in Ukraine for servicing and building ships.

Today, Andriy Yermak together with the Ukrainian delegation visited the capabilities of the company "Bayraktar," which produces, among other things, well-known "bайрактары" for us. On behalf of all Ukrainians, Andriy thanked the company's leaders and presented Chairman of the Board Selçuk Bayraktar with an Order of Merit on the occasion of Ukraine Independence Day.

However, this meeting is not symbolic; it is entirely practical. We are preparing to establish a training center and factory for the company "Bayraktar" in Ukraine as well as joint production of aircraft engines. We will definitely implement these projects too.

Ukraine has always been and will be one of the European centers of military and aviation industry. And I am proud to say this confidently based on the results of Russia's full-scale war against our country, which is now in its 221st day.

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And these meetings are not the end of our diplomatic activity today.

There was also a meeting between First Ladies of Ukraine and Turkey — and I thank President Erdogan and his wife Emine for their consistent support in restoring peace.

First Lady of Ukraine and our delegation met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The Patriarch's view on the war initiated by Russia and his position supporting our country are well known. And today they resounded again — very powerfully. I thank him for this, for understanding the needs of our people.

Discussions were held between the head of the Office and advisors to the Presidents of the USA and Turkey — Jake Sullivan and Ibrahim Kalin. Very substantive talks. Absolutely in Ukraine's interest. To strengthen our security.

Today, I also had discussions with President of France Emmanuel Macron. We thoroughly discussed the situation at the front lines and our successes there. President Macron clearly supported our country and condemned Russia's fake referendums and attempts to annex our territory. We talked about strengthening sanctions against Russia.

We also discussed the situation at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the abduction of its general director, Igor Murashov, by Russian occupiers. This is yet another manifestation of absolutely blatant Russian terror for which the state-sponsor must face ever-increasing consequences.

A powerful joint statement today comes from leaders of nine NATO countries: Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. They condemned Russia's escalatory steps and importantly supported our desire to become a full member of NATO. We are moving in this direction too. I am confident we will realize this project.

Every day at least twice — morning and evening — I receive reports from our military. This week, the bulk of these reports is about liberated territories from enemy occupation as part of our defensive operation. The most media-covered story now is the liberation of Lyman in Donetsk region. But our soldiers' successes are not limited to Lyman.

This is a trend... Not long ago, someone was conducting fake referendums somewhere, and when the Ukrainian flag returns — no one mentions the Russian farce with some papers and annexations. Except, of course, law enforcement agencies in Ukraine. Because everyone involved in any elements of aggression against our country will be held accountable.

And I thank all who bring these moments of victory closer, who return the Ukrainian flag to its rightful places on Ukrainian soil. Thank you all — from generals to privates, from professional soldiers, intelligence and special services personnel — to volunteers and everyone helping defend our country.

I especially highlight the achievements in eastern Ukraine by 25th, 80th, 81st, 95th airborne assault brigades; 14th and 92nd separate mechanized brigades; 1st, 4th and 17th tank brigades; Special Operations Forces; units of the National Guard and National Police; SBU and intelligence personnel — GUR MOD. Thank you, soldiers!

And one more thing.

Today in Ukraine we celebrate two professional holidays — Teacher's Day (Day of Education Workers) and Territorial Defense Forces Day. Of course, many kind words have already been said for teachers and our territorial defense forces. But I want to add something.

Effective defense is impossible without good national education. And there can be no good national education without effective defense. Fortunately, we have both elements. Thanks to the professionalism and dedication of Ukrainian educators, teachers, lecturers, we have soldiers who know what humanity means and cherish everything that Ukraine stands for. And thanks to our brave soldiers, Ukrainian education on Ukrainian soil will pass down our values to all generations of our people.

I thank every Ukrainian educator, teacher, lecturer! I thank each of our defenders, each defenderess!

Thank you to the 127th Territorial Defense Brigade for defending Kharkiv and liberating Kharkiv region territory, soldiers of the 110th brigade who bravely hold off occupiers on the Zaporizhzhia axis, soldiers of my hometown Kryvyi Rih's 129th brigade who have distinguished themselves with good results and liberated Archangelske and Myrolubivka in particular, as well as soldiers of the 115th Territorial Defense Brigade for their significant contribution to defending Zhytomyr region, and also soldiers of the 117th brigade who defend the northern-eastern axis on Sumy region.

Ukraine will win!

Glory to Ukraine!">