President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, announcing the return of 106 more of our soldiers from Russian captivity and an important decision by the European Union Council for our country.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians!

Today is another positive result in our team working on exchanges. We have returned 106 more of our soldiers from Russian captivity—they fought at the Bakhmut front.

It is very important that there was no information about many of these 106 people—they were considered missing without a trace. But we found them. Returned home. Eight officers, 98 soldiers and sergeants…

Thank you to everyone who made this result possible. Budanov, Yermak, Ussov, Lubinec, Maliuk, Klimenko—everyone who prepared this exchange, well done! Just great!

Of course, I thank each of our fighters who ensured the availability of an appropriate exchange fund for us. This must be remembered by everyone at the front: the more Russian captives we take, the more of our people we will return.

I met today in Kyiv with Sweden's Minister of Defense. I thanked him for his unwavering support for our country and our soldiers. We particularly focused on strengthening our defense with armored vehicles. We also discussed our air coalition, which we are building with partners.

Today Finland sent a new package of military support—already the 16th one. The total value of this package is over 100 million euros. Thank you for that!

There is also an important decision by the European Union Council today for Ukraine—the trade liberalization has been extended for another year on Ukrainian products. In fact, this means a complete abolition of customs duties and quotas until June 24th next year. And this is a new stage in sectoral integration of our economy—Ukraine's and all of the European Union’s—which unequivocally makes us stronger in Europe.

In the process of advancing into the EU, we must make such liberalization permanent and without any exceptions or restrictions. Indeed, this is exactly what corresponds to the spirit of a united and free Europe—without barriers.

I thank our European partners for this decision! Anyone who seeks strength and security for all of Europe makes such decisions.

We must be aware that even after this there is still a risk that certain restrictions may remain. If the pressure from individual governments on the EU persists.

But internal policy should not override common European goals. Therefore, I am confident we will find such a solution, especially for farmers in Ukraine and some neighboring countries, which would correspond to our joint European interests and standards.

I had the honor today of greeting the professional day of Ukraine's State Special Communication and Information Protection Service. I thanked them for maintaining stable communication in Ukraine, both for the state and for our military and ordinary citizens despite all threats. This is an important result that helps us resist Russian occupiers firmly and effectively.

I also thank our National Guard soldiers, especially on the Zaporizhzhia front. The 15th Operational Purpose Brigade of our National Guard destroyed a couple of Russian "Sukhois". I thank two of our particularly effective fighters. By the way, one of them has already been awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine and has to his credit not only enemy planes but also a downed cruise missile. Thank you, guys! Well done!

Donetsk front. The 128th Separate Mountain-Storm Brigade, the 18th and 137th Separate Marine Battalions, and the 74th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion particularly distinguished themselves. Thank you—all of you! Each one!

Glory to all who fight for Ukraine! I thank everyone around the world who helps us!

By the way, I had the opportunity to address the community of Johns Hopkins University. This is one of the leading educational institutions in the United States. Its graduates and alumnae are powerful individuals, and some have significantly influenced politics. I wished them to value their time as much as possible because every day counts. The more we do today, the sooner we will end this war with our victory—and only ours.

Glory to Ukraine!"