President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about a particularly important meeting of the High Council in a narrow format and about our fight against internal enemies.

"I wish good health to all dear Ukrainians!

Today there were no shortages of statements and comments, especially on the diplomatic front.

So today's report will be brief. And I'll start with something that hasn't been reported yet.

I held a meeting of the High Council today for the first time in a double format.

First, the traditional full composition of the High Council. We reviewed the situation on the front lines, Russia's attempts to increase pressure on Donbas. Ensuring the army. Training personnel and other issues that require constant attention from the High Council.

Then, in the second half of the day, an additional meeting of the High Council in a narrow format. For particularly important discussions.

We will not leave without our response any aggressive actions by the occupier. The enemy is at a specific stage where Russia's strategic loss is already clear. But tactically they still have resources to attempt offensive operations. They are looking for ways to try and change the course of the war, and are trying to put all the territories they still control on service to their aggression.

We must continue what we're doing: strengthen our resilience, be absolutely united in our desire to ensure our army and all defenders with necessary weapons and equipment — we need to speak with one voice to the world about supplies for defense. And also we have to significantly increase global pressure on Russia every month.

The enemy must come out of this stage much weaker than they anticipate in their worst-case scenarios.

This is a difficult task for us, but we must accomplish it.

We continue our fight against internal enemies as well. Thank you to the Security Service of Ukraine, DIB, Office of the Prosecutor General and all those involved in cleansing our state. New steps will be taken.

Today within talks with President of the European Commission and members of the College of Commissioners we reached a very important mutual understanding. That only together a strong Ukraine and a strong EU can protect the life we value.

That Ukraine needs constant and full support in defense against Russia.

And that our further integration should give energy and motivation to our people to fight despite any obstacles and threats.

I believe that Ukraine deserves to approach the opening of EU membership talks this year.

And I thank President of the European Commission and her colleagues and our friends in the EU for their sensitive support on the path of integration and in defense of our state and people.

This is military, financial, energy and social support. And this is change that we ensure more interaction between our institutions — Ukraine and the EU.

Tomorrow — the second day of Eurointegration in this week. The Ukraine-EU summit will take place. We are preparing.

And one more thing.

Today I participated in the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington. This is an annual event that brings together some of the most powerful representatives of American state and society. President Biden was there, senators and members of the House of Representatives, leaders of religious communities and various political groups.

I called on them to do everything we can and as we must in opposition to Russian evil, so that with the power of our actions we strengthen the power of our prayers.

Prayers for deliverance from evil, for victory over oppressors and for peace for all our people — in all cities and communities of free Ukraine.

I thank every one of our warriors! All soldiers and sailors, sergeants and petty officers, officers and generals! Everyone who is steadfast!

I thank everyone who helps Ukraine! May those be heard who pray for our victory!

Glory to Ukraine!"