President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, informing about an important political signal from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the necessity to strengthen the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Olenivka.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians!

Today, I participated in the work of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) — outlining the most important things for us in achieving peace and restoring Ukraine and international order after this war.

We have a strong response from PACE — it is the first international organization that has identified the regime in Russia as terrorist.

It is very important that this is a political signal. A signal to all countries — members of the Council of Europe and all countries around the world, that there is no point talking with this terrorist group that has appropriated itself Russia and unleashed the most terrible war in Europe since 80 years ago.

Terror must be answered by force at all levels: on the battlefield, through sanctions, and legally.

We will create a special tribunal regarding the crime of aggression committed by Russia against Ukraine and ensure the work of a special compensation mechanism so that Russia pays for this war with its assets.

I thank all our partners in the Council of Europe who are working for justice for Ukraine and our entire continent. Thank you to our delegation at PACE for truly effective work!

Also, I thank all Ukrainian diplomats and our friends around the world and in the United Nations Organization, who helped consolidate the international community so that we achieved the highest support at the UN General Assembly during this Russian terrorist war.

The world sees what is happening. Knows the value of the farce that Russia staged on occupied territories under the guise of fake referendums. 143 countries — members of the UN supported a resolution protecting the basic principles of the UN Charter and condemning Russia for its criminal attempt to annex our territory. This is the highest number of countries supporting Ukraine today. But I believe there will be more.

Four countries stood with Russia — this is very eloquent. North Korea, Nicaragua, Belarus, and Syria. Such a list makes everything clear.

Thank you to each of the 143 countries!

Today, an important meeting took place in online format with our team dealing with the issue of freeing prisoners, representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international organizations involved in this process.

Very important things were said. In particular, about institutional work of the Red Cross to ensure the safety of those held in Russian captivity.

I believe that the International Committee of the Red Cross is not a club with privileges where people receive salaries and enjoy life. The Red Cross has moral obligations. The mandate of the Red Cross must be fulfilled. We need to immediately do what logically follows for the Red Cross.

There is Olenivka. In fact, it's a concentration camp where our prisoners are held. Access to them is needed as was promised. The Red Cross can achieve this. But we must try to make it happen. Ukraine is ready to facilitate this.

Following the example of the IAEA mission, a mission by the Red Cross could be implemented. But for that leadership is required. Integrity is needed. Understanding who created such an institution as the Red Cross and why is necessary.

I thank the team continuing to work on exchanges: Budanov, Yermak, Ussov, Maliuk. Today we managed to free 20 Ukrainians from captivity. Fourteen soldiers of the Armed Forces, four Territorial Defense fighters, one National Guard member and one serviceman of the Naval Forces. We are working to bring everyone home!

Our Air Force continues the battle for Ukrainian skies. As in previous days, I receive reports every hour about downed Russian missiles and drones. In a day — 11 missile strikes, six missiles shot down in Mykolaiv, Lviv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Thank you to everyone who is carrying out this task!

Damaged infrastructure objects are being restored urgently.

Also today I want to highlight the actions of soldiers from the 5th Separate Assault Regiment, 1st Separate Marine Battalion and a battalion of the 4th Brigade of the National Guard for their skillful and heroic defense on the Bakhmut front.

This direction is still one of the toughest on the frontline. Thank you to everyone who holds our positions there and deals heavy blows to occupiers.

Now Russia is sending thousands of these newly mobilized soldiers to the front. They do not have serious military training, but their command does not need it at all. They count on newly mobilized Russians surviving for a few weeks in war, then dying, and new ones being sent to the front. But during this time such use by Russian generals of their people as "meat for artillery" creates additional pressure on our defenders.

This is significant pressure. And I am grateful to all our soldiers who are enduring it. Grateful to partners who understand that we need increased military aid under these conditions. Thank you to everyone fighting, working and helping to defend Ukraine!

Tomorrow we will definitely celebrate — each in their place — one of the most important days for us. Pokrova, Defender's Day. A holiday for all our soldiers — from ancient times to today, from Cossacks to insurgents, from them to fighters of the modern army.

Tomorrow will be 233rd day of our full-scale defense. And new steps that bring us closer to peace and victory.

Do not relax! Beat the enemy! Follow safety rules! Listen carefully to air raid sirens, especially tomorrow!

And do everything to strengthen Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!"