President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the congress of local and regional authorities of the country and the continuation of the United for Justice conference.

"I wish good health to all Ukrainians!

Just now in Lviv, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Ukraine concluded. This was a very representative gathering today. There were heads of central and local government bodies, representatives of state authorities and local communities. From all over our country — every region, every part.

The main issues — security, energy, social protection, financial matters. Anti-corruption. Everything needed for greater strength in our institutions and greater safety for our people — in every sense of the word "safety."

We agreed today that already in March, the Cabinet will prepare solutions necessary for our communities to ensure budget stability. Corresponding changes to the law on the state budget of Ukraine will be proposed to the Verkhovna Rada.

Today, at its meeting which effectively combined with the congress, the Cabinet approved the State Anti-Corruption Program. These systemic steps will give the country more transparency and society — more opportunities for interaction with the state.

Here in Lviv, I am continuing work on the United for Justice conference that started yesterday. Today several panel discussions took place, including one about investigating and punishing occupiers for abuse of people, rape, and other violent crimes committed on occupied territory. The world is already helping us with these investigations. But, of course, we need to do much more. Not only to establish all the perpetrators, not only to punish them, but also to help those who have suffered abuse overcome this blow and return to normal life.

In the relevant part of the conference today, First Lady of Ukraine, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, First Lady of Latvia, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, our officials participated. Very meaningful discussion.

Together with Ms. Metsola, I also met with Ukrainian students from six Lviv universities today.

I held talks with the President of the European Parliament. Clearly, this year our cooperation with European institutions will be even more meaningful than last year's. The task — to prepare as actively as possible for Ukraine’s membership in the EU, increase arms supplies to Ukraine, strengthen sanctions against Russia. And I thank Ms. Roberta Metsola and all our friends in Europe who help Ukraine on its path of integration.

Thank you to everyone helping to strengthen Ukraine's security and bolster our warriors! Thank you each and every one fighting for Ukraine, defending our border and establishing justice for Ukraine with your accuracy on the battlefield, responding to occupiers with active fire against terror.

This morning I was in touch with commanders: the front is the top priority.

Especially I would like to highlight fighters defending Bakhmut. In particular — soldiers of the 56th Separate Mechanized Brigade, 67th and 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigades, and the 77th Separate Airborne Brigade. Thank you, boys! Glory to all Ukrainian heroes!

Thank you Lviv for this fruitful time in your city. Thank you to Lviv Polytechnic where we held our congress today. And thank you to the University of Franko where I met with students. Grateful to everyone.

Glory to Ukraine!"