President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about raising our State Flag over 41 populated areas and about the heroism of Ukrainian sappers, pyrotechnicians, and rescuers.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians!

Today we have good news from the south.

The number of Ukrainian flags returning to their rightful place within the ongoing defensive operation is now in the dozens. 41 populated areas have been liberated.

I thank all our heroes who ensure this advancement. Armed forces, intelligence, special services... Everyone.

And especially I would like to highlight the fighters of the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade, the 46th Air Assault Brigade, the 60th Separate Infantry Brigade and the 128th Separate Mountain-Storm Brigade. Those who are implementing offensive actions. Thank you, boys!

Now we all happily see how Ukrainians who remained in occupied villages and towns meet our soldiers.

Many now almost hourly check where our subunits have advanced and where our State Flag has been raised again.

But, rejoicing, we must remember both today and always that this movement means life for our fighters. Life given by them for the freedom of Ukrainians. Everything happening now was achieved through months of fierce struggle. Achieved with bravery, pain, and losses. This is not an enemy advancing. These are Ukrainians driving out occupiers at a great cost. Just as in the east of our country, in Kharkiv region. And earlier in the north — Kyiv region, Sumy region, Chernihiv region. Now — Mykolaiv region, Kherson region.

We must go all the way — on the battlefield and in diplomacy — so that our flags, Ukrainian flags, are everywhere across our land along our internationally recognized border, and never again — any enemy tricolors. This will be.

Immediately after our soldiers enter liberated areas come those who restore all conditions for normal life.

First and foremost — this is demining. Occupants leave behind thousands of mines and unexploded ordnance. I often heard estimates that clearing Ukraine from Russian mines would take decades. We cannot wait so long.

We must do in years what elsewhere in the world might still be taking place for decades after battles.

First and foremost, demining of buildings, social objects, communications, roads — all space where people live.

But occupiers leave everything behind: power lines, enterprise buildings, fields, forests.

At the peak of mine contamination in Ukraine we had 300 thousand sq. km of territory dangerous for life.

Today thanks to the true heroism of Ukrainian sappers and pyrotechnicians, our rescuers and all those who help them, the area contaminated with mines and ordnance has been reduced.

Now there remains about 170 thousand sq. km for demining. This includes in the most difficult places — where combat operations are still ongoing, where the enemy will add more minefields before retreating, as is now happening in Kherson... Plus forests, plus vast areas of fields.

I am grateful to our partners who have already implemented projects to help with demining. This includes USA, Canada and UK, as well as Denmark, Norway, Estonia, Austria, Poland, Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, Slovakia, UN structures.

Anyone on earth can make their personal contribution — everyone who supports Ukraine — through our charitable platform United24.

Thanks to such support we have already acquired the first most effective demining machine – Armtraс 400, which is now working in Kharkiv region.

It clears 1.5 hectares per hour, fully guaranteeing mine destruction. And foremost it clears territory along power lines so that energy workers can work and restore supply.

We will add more such machines and accelerate demining everywhere — wherever we return our flag, normal Ukrainian life.

Immediately after soldiers enter liberated areas come the National Police forces.

Today police entered Kalynivske, Bobrovyy Kuty, Yevhenivka, Kotsubinske and Snigurivka. Stabilization measures have begun there.

I held two important phone calls today.

With the UK Prime Minister we discussed further defense support for our country, exchanged assessments of ongoing operations at the front line.

We are preparing for important international events next week, including the G20 summit, coordinating positions with partners.

With the Canadian Prime Minister we also discussed G20, our initiatives in the UN — we have important resolutions to propose to the General Assembly that we hope will be supported.

We went through the lines of defense and security cooperation already established with Canada. We plan to expand cooperation.

Tomorrow's schedule also includes important talks.

I would like to thank the Netherlands today for another step in strengthening our defense. 100 million euros are directed towards a fund supporting our protection.

These funds, as well as those from other partners will be used to purchase equipment directly from manufacturers and will work for the future. To make Ukraine only stronger.

And one more thing.

Today we have an announcement of a new package of military aid from the United States of America. Important anti-aircraft defense means. Exactly what we need, exactly what we asked for.

Glory to all who fight and work for our country and people!

Thank you to everyone who helps!

Eternal glory to those who gave their lives for Ukraine and those who have given their life.

Glory to Ukraine!»