President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the need for a clear signal that our country deserves to be in NATO and about expecting good military news from Vilnius.

"I wish health to all dear Ukrainians,

So, Ukraine is on the eve of Vilnius. The NATO summit, which could become exactly what our country and the entire Alliance need for global security.

We are working extremely actively these days! Even more actively than ever before. And although this work is almost entirely behind-the-scenes now, its significance is no less than any public work.

Everyone understands it all. Every leader, every country. Even if different positions are voiced, it's clear that Ukraine deserves to be in the Alliance. Not right now — there’s still a war, but we need a clear signal. And this signal is needed right now.

I am grateful to all leaders and every country that speaks so clearly and has adopted relevant joint declarations and statements with Ukraine regarding our integration. Most of the Alliance — are clearly 'for' us.

The bravery of Ukrainian heroes has wiped away the dust of history from all the values for which NATO was created to defend.

It is precisely Ukraine's eastern border, our country’s border and the positions of our soldiers — this is the line that the Russian dictatorship will never cross again in any form but always tried to subjugate European peoples.

Ukraine's security reality depends on us here, at NATO's eastern flank. When we applied for membership in NATO, we spoke openly: de facto Ukraine is already in the Alliance. Our weapons — this is the Alliance’s weaponry. Our values — these are what the Alliance believes in. Our defense — this is precisely that element of the formula of Europe which makes it united, free and at peace.

Vilnius must confirm all this.

Now work continues on wording, i.e., specific words for such confirmation, but we already understand the fact — Ukraine will be in the Alliance. We are working to make the accession algorithm as clear and fast as possible. Our work towards this — the work of the entire Ukrainian team — will continue minute by minute throughout these days.

It is also very important that bilateral meetings at various levels are planned in Vilnius — European countries, America, Canada, Japan... Priorities are absolutely clear — this is anti-aircraft defense for our cities, for all communities across the country. We are working on creating a full-fledged air shield. This is also weapons for the front line — there will be talks about this in Vilnius as well. Of course, we will talk about other aspects of life protection and our common security.

I am confident that good military news may come from Vilnius for our soldiers.

Separately — the forefront.

Tomorrow, on the day of the start of the summit which is now unimaginable without Ukraine, it will be 503 days since the full-scale war began. This says a lot about our strength — the strength of the Ukrainian people who, under such conditions of war, after so many battles and days still have the strength that simply cannot be imagined without European security.

I thank you, Ukrainian soldiers, for this strength! I thank every soldier, sailor, every sergeant, every corporal, every officer, every general! I thank everyone who trains our soldiers! I thank every volunteer! Doctors who help after injuries! I thank all of our people who work towards Ukrainian strength and victory!

It is an honor for me to represent such people and such a Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!"