President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the need to maintain the dynamics of defensive support from our partners and about the bestial shelling of Kherson by the Russian army.

"I wish you good health, dear Ukrainians!

Today I held another meeting of the General Staff. The main focus, as usual, was on the situation at the front, especially in Donetsk and on southern fronts. The situation is very tough. The Bakhmut, Vuhledar, and other directions in the Donetsk region are constant Russian assaults. Constant attempts to break through our defense.

The enemy does not count people and despite their numerous losses maintains a high intensity of attacks.

In some of its wars, Russia lost less overall than it is losing there, especially under Bakhmut.

And to counter this can only be extraordinary resilience and full understanding that by defending Donetsk, our soldiers are defending all of Ukraine.

Because every step halted by the enemy right there means dozens of steps prevented by occupiers elsewhere.

And I thank each unit and soldier personally who is holding positions and repelling enemy assaults in Donetsk despite everything.

I especially want to highlight today the fighters of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade and the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade for their persistence in carrying out combat tasks precisely there, on the Donetsk front.

I also want to highlight our soldiers on southern fronts. Particularly the 44th and 406th artillery brigades, as well as reconnaissance units of the 123rd and 124th territorial defense brigades. Thank you for your accuracy, soldiers, thank you for your bravery!

The Chief Commander, commanders of operational directions, Minister of Defense reported to the General Staff today about the character of enemy actions, our responses, ammunition and equipment supply to combat units.

The head of intelligence reported on how the situation may change in the near future.

We are doing everything to maintain our pressure despite the assault possibilities of the occupiers.

And it is very important to preserve the dynamics of defensive support from our partners at this time.

The speed of supply has been and will be one of the key factors in this war.

Russia hopes to prolong the war, wear down our forces. Therefore, we must make time our weapon. We have to accelerate events. Accelerate supplies and open new necessary military options for Ukraine.

This week we had significant defense results in relations with the United States, Germany, Poland, Canada, Belgium, Norway, Italy, and other countries.

Next week must be no less strong for our defense.

Today I also spoke with elected President of the Czech Republic Pavel. Heard full understanding of the situation. Invited Mr. President to visit Ukraine. And I am confident that together we will significantly strengthen our joint European response to the Russian terrorist threat.

Today I held a lengthy meeting with our security sector (SBU and other special services). We are strengthening our state and will stop by appropriate means anyone who tries to weaken Ukraine from within.

And one more thing.

Today the entire day, the Russian army is bestially shelling Kherson. Civilian houses damaged, various social and transport facilities — hospital, post office, bus station.

In the hospital, the shelling injured two women — nurses. Overall as of now there are reports of six people injured and three killed.

My condolences to all who lost loved ones due to Russian terror...

Under such conditions, against the backdrop of constant Russian terrorist strikes on our cities and villages, against the backdrop of constant Russian assaults that are trying not to leave even a single intact wall, it is shocking that we have to convince international sports bureaucrats to refrain from any support for the state-terrorist.

The International Olympic Committee's attempts to bring back Russian athletes to competitions and the Olympics — this is an attempt to tell the whole world that terror can be something acceptable. That one can close their eyes on what Russia does with Kherson, Kharkiv, Bakhmut, and Avdiivka.

Today I sent a letter to President Macron precisely about this in continuation of our conversation which took place on January 24th.

As we prepare for the Paris Olympics, we must be confident that Russia will not use it or any other international sports event for propaganda of aggression or its state chauvinism.

In the first half of the 20th century in Europe there were too many mistakes made which led to very terrible tragedies. There was also a significant Olympic mistake. The Olympic movement and state-terrorists should not intersect at all.

I thank everyone who helps protect our people from Russian terror! I thank each one who bravely defends Ukraine in the ranks of our defense and security forces!

Bright memory to all those who fought for the independence and integrity of Ukraine in battle at Kruty and every other battle that helped our nation survive and gain its own state!

Glory to Ukraine!»