President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting held in Kyiv and the necessity for a strong global response to every attempt by Russia to circumvent sanctions regimes and international law.

"I wish good health to all Ukrainians,

Today is an European, EU day for Ukraine. A very symbolic day: it feels like we can see, hear, what questions will be asked and how they will be resolved when Ukraine becomes a full member of the EU.

Today in Kyiv, there was an extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

All foreign ministers from member states were present, representatives of the European Commission, High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell. A very productive and meaningful meeting. Indeed, it is in the interest of all of Europe.

This extraordinary format of work by this Council — for the first time outside the European Union. But this is formally outside its borders. We all know that it's just a matter of time before Ukraine becomes an EU member. So, in fact, the meeting took place already within the EU. Objectively, our country is leading in defending those very principles on which European unity stands. The unity of contemporary Europe that values freedom and equality among nations, that respects international law.

Today we talked about full membership for Ukraine in the EU.

Our key integration goal — to reach a decision this year on starting accession talks. And today I heard again at meetings and discussions that it is absolutely possible. Ukraine will definitely fulfill its part of the work — seven recommendations from the European Commission. 

And very importantly, there must be an equivalent readiness for a political decision regarding Ukraine, to start talks, on the side of the EU and all member states.

Today I had the opportunity to talk with all top diplomats from the EU bilaterally, at community level. We had a good discussion. On many issues.

The key point, of course, is our defense in this war which is an aggression by Russia not only against Ukraine as a state but also against Ukraine as a symbol of how free and democratic Europe can be.

I thank partners for support — military and economic, sanctions. Today we paid special attention to the issue of sanctions. To attempts by Russia to circumvent them. I believe that every attempt by Russia to deceive sanctions regimes and international law requires a strong global response.

Any criminals — especially such criminals as in Moscow, — understand only the language of force and the inevitability of punishment.

Good bilateral meetings with Mr. Borrell and the Vice-Premier Minister – Foreign Minister of Italy Mr. Tajani. Our defense, our cooperation. Many issues.

I am grateful to Mr. Borrell for his sincere and good faith in Ukraine, for unwavering support.

Separately I would like to thank all of Italy and personally Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the Italian Foreign Minister for particularly sensitive help, especially in Odessa's reconstruction: a deal was signed with Italy on restoring the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral in Odessa destroyed by a Russian missile. No matter how Russia destroys history and culture, Europe is capable of rebuilding everything. And this is the strength of Europe – free and united.

I would like to thank Denmark for deciding to open an embassy branch in Mykolaiv. This is a model example of patronage over reconstruction of the region and absolutely effective way to implement our agreements with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen. Thank you!

Overall today we talked quite meaningfully about work at our ports, security in the Black Sea. Grain export and food stability around the world.

We separately discussed strengthening the Peacekeeping Operation. I thank partners for understanding.

Also met with Minister of Defense of Estonia. Thankful for already provided support. And this is a felt support. 16 defense packages from Estonia. Today we talked about continuing our cooperation.

Plus two phone calls. 

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. We spoke about political interaction. About solidarity paths in Europe and about exporting Ukrainian grain, supporting our farmers. It is very important that everyone in Europe equally adheres to EU norms and does not violate agreements made. This is a clear principle for Ukraine, and it's important that the same principle be at the basis of decisions by all European policy actors.

I also spoke with Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez. Thanked him for principled military and political support. Ukraine hopes for constructive voting from Spain in the EU Council. We also discussed international events we are preparing for together with Spain.

Another important result today — is that our Peace Formula is gaining more and more support. Thank you for this too.

And one more thank you. Our soldiers. 58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade named after Hetman Vykhovsky, our glorious "Seventy-Ninth" DSHB and 128th Separate Brigade of Territorial Defense — thank you for your extraordinary steadfastness and effectiveness in the areas of Urozhainoye, Mariinka, Staromajorskaya. You are the real strength of Ukraine. Well done!

Glory to all who fight for our country and people! Thank you to everyone who helps!

All support for Ukraine, every step towards us will definitely return to those who support us in the form of global security. When Russian aggression loses on our land, the very idea of aggression will be shattered. International law can win only now — here, only in Ukraine.

And it is winning. We will win!

Glory to Ukraine!»