President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the catastrophic situation in the occupied part of Kherson Oblast and the need for a clear and swift response from the world to what is happening.

"Dear Ukrainians,

Today, all day long, maximum attention has been focused on the aftermath of the Russian terrorist attack on the Kakhovska Hydroelectric Station. Dozens of populated areas have been flooded on our controlled territory. Thousands of houses!

Evacuation is ongoing. And under fire! The Russian artillery continues to shell, regardless of everything. Simply inhuman.

But as of now, in the territories of Kherson and Mykolaiv regions, more than 2 thousand people have been rescued. And I thank everyone involved in this work, all who are helping! Our task is to protect lives to the maximum extent and help people.

An absolutely catastrophic situation exists in the occupied part of Kherson Oblast. The occupiers simply abandoned people under these terrible conditions. Without rescue, without water, just on rooftops in flooded communities. And this is yet another conscious crime by Russia: after the state-terrorist caused a catastrophe, it maximizes damage from it.

Now we need a clear and swift response from the world to what is happening. It's impossible even to establish exactly how many people in temporarily occupied Kherson Oblast could die without rescue, without drinking water, without food, without medical help. Our military and security services are rescuing people as much as possible despite shelling.

But larger efforts are needed. The international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, need to immediately join the rescue operation and help people in the occupied part of Kherson Oblast. Every death there is a verdict on the existing international architecture, international organizations that have learned how to save lives. If an international organization is not present in this disaster zone now, it means it doesn't exist at all, it's dysfunctional. All relevant appeals from Ukraine and our government are made.

Many world leaders, heads of states, governments, intergovernmental organizations have expressed their support for Ukraine and a clear condemnation of Russia’s eco-genocide crime. I thank them for this principled stance!

Together we must hold the occupiers accountable. They controlled both the dam and the entire hydroelectric station for over a year. Russian propagandists seriously and openly discussed exactly such a scenario of a man-made catastrophe, which they carried out. Last fall, we warned the world about Russia's mining of Kakhovska Hydroelectric Station objects.

We called for sending an international observer mission to Kakhovka, for demining power units and all facilities at the station. Unfortunately, global attention was lacking then to ensure this. Now we need to focus world attention on mitigating the consequences of another Russian-caused catastrophe, and prevent further destructive activities by occupiers.

I held several important international talks today.

President of Turkey Erdogan. I informed him about the situation in flooded areas, our rescue operation, and urgent needs to help people.

Of course, we also discussed risks for Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is still under control of occupiers. There's an agreement with the head of IAEA on activating IAEA representatives' work at the station. But it’s clear that as long as occupiers are there, full safety cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, de-occupation of Ukraine is an imperative task.

President of France Macron. We discussed in detail all consequences of Russian terrorist attack on the station and overall situation. Everything we can do to help people and affected regions.

We thoroughly discussed defensive actions as well as international measures that we are preparing despite everything, because security is needed regardless of any aggressive and openly sacrilegious acts by Russia.

I would like to highlight a few things that are important for our entire country, especially for people in those regions dependent on Kakhovska Reservoir.

First. We will ensure drinking water supply everywhere it's needed. In all regions, cities and villages where this is necessary. Where bottled water is delivered now, all necessary supply systems will be set up. Reliability of supply is the main principle.

Second. The world will be with us. Partners are fully informed about what's happening and what kind of help we need. Regardless of any economic, social or environmental consequences of this catastrophe, all basic necessities for life will be preserved. Kherson Oblast, Mykolaiv Oblast, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast – we see the entire problematics and will do everything possible to solve problems created by occupiers.

Third. It is a direct responsibility of state representatives and local authorities in all affected communities to help people. From government and State Emergency Service to regional authorities, local communities – everyone involved to the maximum extent to rescue and protect as many people as possible. Everyone must take this task personally. And I thank those who accept it just like that! We care for each other and for Ukraine!

And of course today I thank every one of our soldiers, all units, all brigades continuing to fight occupiers.

Bakhmut direction, Avdiivka, entire "Khortytsia", entire "Tavria" – you are great!

Whatever it is, every day should be a day of enemy destruction.

Glory to all our heroes!

Glory to everyone who cares about Ukraine and Ukrainians!

Glory to Ukraine!"