President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about a meeting regarding the return of Crimea and honoring the participants of the rescue operation in Pokrovsk.

"Dear Ukrainians,

By this afternoon, the rescue operations following yesterday's rocket attack by Russian terrorists in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, have been completed. Nine people lost their lives. My condolences to the families and loved ones... 82 people were injured. All are receiving necessary assistance. Among the injured are two children, both boys; one of them is in critical condition. His name is Mikhaylo, only 11 years old, a sixth-grade student. I wish everyone who suffered from this latest Russian atrocity a speedy recovery. There were several rocket strikes. The second strike occurred while the rescue operation was underway. Such deliberate decisions by terrorists are to inflict maximum pain and damage. And Russia will face maximum accountability for this — no matter how events unfold, but verdicts against the terrorists must be rendered.

I want to specifically highlight today the participants of the rescue operation in Pokrovsk. Those who showed the most initiative in helping people. These are senior lieutenants of civil defense service Andriy Samusin and Oleksandr Shilo, colonel of civil defense service Viacheslav Filushyn. Police officers Lieutenant Oleksandr Chivenkov and Deputy Chief Vladimir Nikulin. I am especially grateful to all the medical personnel working for people in Pokrovsk and other cities in Donetsk region, and today I would like to single out paramedic Kateryna Zheleznyak from Mironograd city ambulance service and surgeon Igor Klimov from Pokrovsk hospital. Thank you! Thank you to everyone who saves lives and mitigates the consequences of Russian strikes!

Today I spoke with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and the key point in our conversation was protecting people from Russian occupiers. We discussed in detail how to strengthen our soldiers on the front lines and provide more security for our cities and villages, for all of our land. We are preparing new defense packages, and I am grateful both personally to Mark and everyone in the Netherlands — each and every one who stands with Ukraine. We are preparing reinforcements for our aviation with modern aircraft, and it is precisely the Netherlands that can lead on F-16s for Ukraine. It's important that the Netherlands joined the 'Big Seven' declaration on security guarantees for our country, and we discussed how these guarantees could be detailed at a bilateral level. Additionally, I invited Mark, the Prime Minister, to participate in our Crimean Platform summit at the leader level — this summit will take place on August 23.

Today I also chaired a meeting regarding the substantive content of our return policy — specifically about Crimea and its reintegration. Clearly, after liberating Crimea from occupation, economic opportunities, personal security for people, and a real sense of freedom will return there, which has been absent since 2014. But all this should not be just abstract — each detail of de-occupation in Crimea must have specific content. What exactly normal life returning means. What it means for Crimea and all our people. This needs to be clear to everyone. Step by step we are making the de-occupation of Crimea more achievable and thought out.

Today I also chaired a meeting regarding the new school season — September 1 is very soon now. There are questions from parents, teachers. There are various security and preparatory nuances. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Education and Science Oleksii Chernyshov were present at the meeting; they presented their plans. The content is clear — preparing shelters, providing textbooks, financial and organizational resources that are needed and which the state can help with. Government officials will soon present the corresponding details.

And one more thing. Today I had the honor of greeting our military communications personnel on their professional day and awarding the best among them. 24 people serving Ukraine in various units at different levels. Exactly like this, they serve effectively as needed. About the Ukrainian Armed Forces Communications and Cyber Defense is rarely spoken about. But all types and branches of the army depend on them, on how well they work. Because communication — it's one of the key resources.

And I thank everyone who serves our country effectively, works for the state effectively. There must always be results for Ukraine. Every day at the front and in the rear... Every such day with results brings us closer to victory. Like today's day — with a law enforcement result for Ukraine. For cleansing Ukraine. We all know that our country needs to change, needs to undergo transformation. And this means that those holding state positions or serving as people's deputies of Ukraine will not be those who work 'for their pocket,' but rather for the sake of Ukraine. Every such deal at a minimum goes to court.

Glory to all who fight for Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!"