President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the farewell ceremony for Dmytro Kotsiubaylo and the restoration of our energy facilities and networks after a Russian terrorist airstrike.

"The General Staff meeting just concluded."

The Chief Commander, commanders of sectors reported on the situation at the front lines, overall in defense of the state. East and south, border. Bakhmut and our opportunities to reinforce there. Our responses to terrorist attacks. Defense of Kherson and communities of Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Sumy regions. Our needs for ammunition and supply.

Today I spoke about ensuring Ukrainian soldiers and overall support for our state in defense against Russian aggression at international talks.

Prime Minister of Finland visited Kyiv — a country that supports us quite actively. I thanked her for the already provided aid packages, discussed new possibilities to strengthen our defense, increase pressure on Russia — a new defensive package for Ukraine, already the 14th.

We also talked about cooperation in EU structures and support for our initiatives regarding punishing Russian killers.

Also today I met with Norway's Minister of Defense. Overall we have achieved extremely strong relations with Norway in many spheres. This applies to weapons as well: thanks to Norway, we strengthened both our air defense systems and artillery and other branches of the military. Also, Norway initiated a long-term budget support program for Ukraine — 7 billion dollars over five years — which may and should serve as an example for other partners.

We discussed additional steps that we can take together with Norway to make this spring successful both for Ukrainian defense and for the prospects of European security.

By the way, we are starting to communicate with Norway regarding training mission possibilities for our pilots.

Today I spoke with representatives of the American political community — senators, experts — on the lawn of the American Institute of Business. This is one of the strong American think tanks — institutions that participate in policy-making.

I informed them about the current situation and our possibilities to break Russian aggression and restore security for Ukraine. I thanked America for its unwavering and principled support, for leadership that can significantly bring us closer to victory.

Today I want to especially highlight our fighters defending Ukraine in Donetsk. Every day they give solid reasons for gratitude, solid results for Ukraine. Marines of the 35th and 36th Separate Marine Brigades, 55th Separate Artillery Brigade, paratroopers "seventy-nine" ... Thank you, soldiers! And I want to especially thank today's fighters from the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Armed Forces "Shaman" — for Bakhmut, for their strong participation in defending the city.

I thank the artillerymen of the 44th Separate Artillery Brigade who are fighting on the Zaporizhzhia direction, skillfully destroying enemy positions and equipment. Thank you for this, boys!

Today I signed another decree awarding our soldiers state honors. In particular — fighters from the 24th Independent Assault Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Today I had the honor to present Dmytro Kotsiubaylo's mother with his "Cross of Combat Merit". Today was a farewell ceremony for Dmytro. And I thank everyone who came to the farewell ceremony for Dmytro. Everyone who wanted to come but is now at the front, in the military, in hospitals. This is very important.

It's important that Ukraine honors its heroes and demonstrates to the world what people are giving their lives for — freedom of our nation and all of Europe. I am grateful to each and every one. Remember Dmytro today, please remember everyone whom this war has taken from us since February 24th, since 14 years ago. Eternal memory to the heroes!

And one more thing. All day long I have been receiving reports on restoring our energy facilities and networks after a Russian terrorist airstrike.

Kharkiv — still many subscribers disconnected, problems with communication in the city. It was possible to provide electricity to critical infrastructure, all services are working to restore power supply to consumers. Truly heroic efforts of our energy workers, repair crews.

Kharkiv region — by evening most consumers have had their power restored.

Still not easy in Zhytomyr: although the system is generally balanced out, there may still be disconnections. Energy workers are working.

Zaporizhzhia — everything is being done to protect people and the city's energy system.

Kyiv — heating networks are being restored.

I thank everyone involved in these works, I thank each person who helps!

Ukrainians are strong when they care for one another. Ukrainians are free when they defend themselves.

Glory to our beautiful people!

Bright memory to our soldiers who gave their lives for our state!

Glory to Ukraine!">