President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about his working visit to Avdiivka and a substantive meeting regarding the situation in the Poltava region.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians!

We are concluding this day in Poltava. It has been quite a long and emotional day.

This morning I was in Donetsk, in our Avdiivka. It is difficult to see what Russian terrorists have done to this city…

And honor goes to every one of our soldiers, all Ukrainians and Ukrainian women who for 419 days and nine years are holding back and gradually destroying this Russian evil.

I had the honor of greeting Ukrainian soldiers and officers on Easter Day, presenting awards. I often thank them in my evening addresses for their accuracy and bravery, for destroying the occupiers.

55th Separate Artillery Brigade, marines from 35th and 36th separate brigades, paratroopers from 79th separate brigade, soldiers from 110th separate mechanized brigade… 501st separate marine battalion… The Presidential Separate Brigade named after Bohdan Khmelnytsky… Thank you all for your service! And thank you all for the badges you gave me today, it is truly honorable. Thank you, boys!

I especially want to thank our Medical Forces, all doctors, nurses and medical staff who are returning our defenders back to life after injuries. Both in Donetsk and here in Poltava, I visited hospitals. Proud of our people, strong even when they are still recovering their strength. Honor to everyone who treats our soldiers!

I held a lengthy, substantive meeting in Poltava regarding the situation in the region. Military leadership, local authorities… First and foremost — security and social issues, safety for educational institutions, reconstruction, support for displaced persons.

There are decisions about restoring energy — generation and networks. There are various assignments at the working level — what we need to support Poltava region. And we will definitely do this.

It is important that every day we do not lose contact with our partners. And it was from here, in Poltava, that I held a conversation with the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy. Thanked him for consistent bipartisan support. Right after my visit to the front line, I informed Mr. McCarthy about what is happening now on the frontline, about our defense needs and possibilities. Raised issues regarding F-16s, long-range weapons, additional artillery and tribunal — a tribunal regarding Russia's aggression against our country.

We together make the free world stronger, and every dollar invested in such strength is absolutely understandable and accountable to our partners. I invited the Speaker to visit Ukraine.

This truly inspires and supports — when you see our Ukrainian resolve and know that victory will come.

Thank you, Donetsk and Poltava regions for today's day!

Thanks to everyone who works towards our victory! Glory to every one of those in battle, on combat posts, on combat missions!

And I would like to specially highlight today the fighters among us who reveal and destroy enemy positions, those positions from which the occupier is shelling our cities and villages. Russian strikes on Kherson, Berislav district, cities in Donetsk — all of the enemy's strikes receive our response. A strong response.

Glory to Ukraine!"