President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, informing about a lengthy meeting of the General Staff to discuss critical issues and further steps to strengthen our air defense.

"I wish good health, dear Ukrainians!

Just held a session of the General Staff. A long one. Several key issues.

First — naturally, the front line. The situation on main fronts, reports from commanders, ammunition supply and air defense.

The second issue discussed by the General Staff is directly related to our defense, to the resilience of our state.

Energy sector. Preparing for winter, protecting objects of our generation and ensuring electricity and heat supply, restoring everything that was damaged by Russian strikes and military operations.

Today's leadership in Russia always does what it once did. They repeat all the mistakes. All evil they repeat. And when it doesn't work out for them, they think as if they haven't done enough evil to make it happen. Such a mad logic. But we must take this into account. This winter Russian terrorists will again try to destroy our energy system. They are unable to accept that Ukraine cannot be conquered anyway. But they will try to inflict more strikes and more attempts to circumvent our defense.

We fully understand the danger.

Today at the General Staff, there were reports from military personnel and all officials responsible for protecting our energy sector and our winter tactics. In particular, the Prime Minister, ministers, company leaders, representatives of the communications sphere, heads of regional administrations reported. Everything concerning physical protection of objects, reconstruction, execution of orders, order of actions in case of various emergencies. To win this winter, to overcome all difficulties and protect our people — this is very important. And by the way, local authorities must fully complete their preparatory work. Next week we will document the current state of readiness for winter in regions.

We are taking even more steps to strengthen our air defense and cooperate with partners for the resilience of Ukraine's energy sector. This week has already significantly strengthened us.

Germany — we are working with Chancellor Olaf Scholz on transferring another Patriot battery to Ukraine. This will be a significant reinforcement.

Italy — discussed with Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister, filling out a new security package for our state. Thank you!

Spain — agreed with Mr. Sanchez, the Spanish Prime Minister, not only on additional Hawk air defense systems but also on support for energy equipment. Thank you!

Britain — we have a very good agreement with Mr. Rishi Sunak, the British Prime Minister, regarding security in the Black Sea and Odesa region. It is important that we do not lose time or opportunities for export work. Ukraine must preserve its role as guarantor of global food security and maintain maritime access to the world market. And I thank Britain for this support.

And, of course, Mr. President of France Emmanuel Macron is doing exactly what we agreed on for greater security in Ukraine and all of Europe. There are significant results and new opportunities for our soldiers. But about details — a bit later.

Today there is also a decision from the Netherlands with an amount over 100 million euros, focusing specifically on supporting our energy system. We will soon discuss with Mr. Prime Minister Mark Rutte and our further steps. Thank you!

We are also actively cooperating with the European Union. It is important for us to start negotiations this year regarding EU membership. Ukraine has almost completed all seven recommendations of the European Commission, and we will be ready from our side. The Verkhovna Rada needs only one step, and in principle, deputies should take it.

The EU for Ukraine is not just economic security and a significant contribution to solving geopolitical stability issues. It's also motivation. Motivation for us, for our soldiers, for all of our people. Motivation to fight, be resilient, get through this winter and achieve our national goals despite any Russian terror.

One more thing.

Kharkiv region. Yesterday — a brutal strike on a village in the Kupyansk district. 51 dead. The fate of three people is still unknown. This morning, a Russian strike on Kharkiv city, just on ordinary houses with a rocket. Two deaths, and they are from one family. A boy aged ten and his grandmother. His younger brother, only eleven months old, and parents — in the hospital. My condolences to all whose relatives and loved ones were killed by Russia...

Yesterday and today leaders of countries, many foreign ministers expressed sympathy and condemned Russian terror. I am grateful to everyone who does not remain indifferent. Only together, united can we defeat terror. And we will do it. States and leaders, peoples.

Many journalists, civic activists, and ordinary people have supported us now and throughout the entire time of this war. Ukraine greatly values every act of support, every show of solidarity with us. Our victory over Russian terror will be a shared victory for all people in the world who also believe that evil and hatred must always lose. Always! This must become an unbreakable global rule. And it definitely will.

Glory to our soldiers! Glory to everyone who protects people and humanity!

Glory to Ukraine!"