President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the aftermath of Russian terrorists' strikes on our Odessa and calling for the first meeting of the Ukraine — NATO Council.

"Dear Ukrainians,

Today, all day long, we are dealing with the consequences of Russian terrorists' attacks on our Odessa. 19 rockets of various types — deliberately to make them harder to intercept and cause more destruction.

Last night in Odessa, one person died. My condolences go out to their loved ones... Twenty people were injured, including four children. Eleven years old, twelve years old, two seventeen-year-olds. Everyone is receiving the necessary assistance. And I thank everyone from Odessa. Thank you to all those in the city who are helping the victims and clearing debris. Rescue workers and doctors, military and police, volunteers and local authorities. Businesses that have joined in. I also thank all of the residents. It's very important to help each other and our city!

I would like to separately thank those around the world who have already condemned this latest manifestation of Russian evil. We cannot get used to terrorist attacks. The targets of these rockets are not just cities, villages or people. Their target is humanity and the foundations of our European culture. Last night, a Kh-22 anti-ship missile hit the bell tower of Odessa's Holy Transfiguration Cathedral. One of Ukraine's most valuable cathedrals. In 1936, it was looted and destroyed by Bolsheviks. It has been restored since independent Ukraine. And now terrorists are trying to destroy it again. Overall, last night in Odessa, almost fifty buildings were damaged, including twenty-five architectural landmarks. The historic center. World heritage protected by UNESCO. Also damaged was the Greek consulate building, which is already the second such establishment in Odessa affected by Russian terror. Just three days ago, another attack damaged the Chinese Consulate building.

Clearly, this is a global threat. Destruction of cities, destruction of culture, destruction of ports that are fundamental to world food security. There have never been such terrorists who could conquer the world, and these Kremlin madmen won't succeed either.

The Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Odessa will be restored. We will definitely restore everything. By the way, I am grateful to Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Italian parliamentarians and all of Italian society for their promise to help with the restoration of Ukraine's historical landmarks.

The main thing is that despite any attempts to break our state and people, we clearly know — we have a future in Ukraine because we are defending culture and humanity. Russia, however, is only approaching its own dismantling from history with this terror.

And one more thing.

We have already started preparing for next week. There will be many events that will definitely strengthen Ukraine's defense.

I thank NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg for convening the first meeting of the Ukraine — NATO Council promptly. In fact, immediately after our conversation yesterday, a date was agreed upon — it will take place this Wednesday. We are preparing its content.

We are also preparing new support packages from partners — everything that brings the defeat of Russian terrorists closer. More HIMARS for Ukraine, more artillery, more long-range weapons. The recipe for ending the war is clear — it all depends on unity and resolve among those who value freedom, culture, life.

Thank you to everyone helping Ukraine! Thank you to everyone in Ukraine who cares about their neighbors.

Glory to our soldiers!

Glory to Ukraine!"