President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the situation in Donbas and other active fronts on the frontline as well as the impossibility of returning Russian representatives to international sporting events.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians!

Firstly, I want to thank our air defense forces and Air Forces for repelling this morning's attack by Iranian drones.

The sky over Kyiv region is defended by the 96th anti-aircraft missile brigade of the Air Forces. Thank you, boys!

In total, 13 "Shaheds" were shot down. This means 13 saved infrastructure objects and lives saved. In a single morning.

I chaired today's General Staff meeting. We also discussed air defense extensively. We are constantly strengthening our anti-aircraft and anti-drone defenses, and we are doing everything to acquire more modern and powerful systems for Ukraine.

This week, we have made significant progress in the matter of air defense.

Of course, we discussed in great detail at the General Staff meeting the situation on Donbas and other active fronts. There is no calmness on the frontline. Nothing is easy or simple. Every day and every meter are gained with extraordinary difficulty. And especially where the occupier's tactics boil down to destroying everything ahead of them with artillery, leaving only bare ruins and craters in the ground.

By the way, I spoke about this today in my address to the European Parliament. Russia is destroying cities one by one on Donbas, like Mariupol, Volnovakha, Bakhmut. To defend under such conditions - it's not just heroism, it's something more. And I thank all our soldiers who are enduring the pressure of the occupiers.

I want to now highlight the fighters of the 46th separate airborne brigade, who very skillfully and bravely repelled the enemy during another attack and forced them to retreat. Well done!

I also want to highlight the fighters of the 80th and 95th separate paratrooper brigades fighting on the Kremenchuk axis - very effectively. Thank you, soldiers!

We are preparing agreements that will strengthen our defensive capabilities and give Ukraine more operational opportunities.

We also do not reduce our efforts to create a special tribunal regarding Russian aggression and hold all those responsible accountable for it. Today, I called on our friends in Europe and members of the European Parliament to increase their efforts so that the tribunal will finally come into operation. The state-terrorist must answer for every burned Ukrainian city, for every life destroyed among our people. And they will be held accountable.

Today I spoke with the head of the International Olympic Committee, Bach.

Specifically about how the principles of the Olympic movement do not provide for recognition of state-terrorists. Any ideas to bring back Russian representatives to international competitions are ideas about allowing those responsible for terror to tell their society that the world somehow forgives terror. This is a sports indulgence. That's exactly how it will be presented by Russian propaganda if the International Olympic Committee allows those who represent war and nothing else to participate in sporting events on equal footing with others.

I don't want to speculate about what motives may stand behind such ideas of bringing Russia back. But no one will close their eyes to any attempts to reduce international pressure on the source of war.

When we receive messages like today's from Kherson, where another Russian shelling killed a child, a boy... He was eight years old... All that can be said is this: a white or any neutral flag for Russian athletes is impossible, all their flags are in blood stains.

I also held very important talks today with UN Secretary-General Guterres. I thanked him for his unwavering support of Ukraine and international law, for the effective assistance in implementing our initiatives such as "Grain from Ukraine." We are now working to organize missions with an international mandate on critical energy infrastructure objects of our country. I believe this can also be successful.

And one more thing.

Today, 64 Ukrainians were returned from Russian captivity. 64 soldiers. Four officers and 60 enlisted men and sergeants. Among them are seriously wounded individuals. We provide all necessary assistance to everyone.

We continue working to free and return home every Ukrainian man and woman still held in Russia. I thank our team that ensures the implementation of exchanges.

I thank everyone who works for Ukrainians and Ukraine!

Glory to all those fighting for our country!

Glory to all those filling their bravery and effectiveness into the word that is heard around the world today - the word "Ukraine."

And I want to thank separately today the Ukrainian Scouts, the Plast, who brought the Bethlehem Peace Flame to Ukraine. May this light support us all, every Ukrainian.

Glory to Ukraine!"