President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the International Day of the Black Sea and a special ceremony for awarding state honors.

"I wish good health to all Ukrainians!

Today there were several important events.

First — the Security Council. Today is International Day of the Black Sea — a special day dedicated to our region, our shared waters with partners. At today's Security Council meeting, we first discussed this issue — the work of our export corridors, protecting Southern Ukraine — our cities and ports from Russian attacks. This matters not only for our country, not just for the security of Ukraine, but much more broadly. And during the full-scale war, we have proven this — we have shown that when Ukraine together with partners restores security in the Black Sea, the world receives dividends in greater security for other regions. Starting from food security and ending with social security, because political stability in many countries in difficult regions of Africa and Asia depends on market stability for food supplies. It is very important that thanks to Ukrainian courage, it has actually succeeded in pushing back the Russian fleet beyond the eastern part of the Black Sea — Russia can no longer use our sea to spread its aggression into other parts of the world as it did with Syria. When Russia was involved in a humanitarian catastrophe on Syrian territory, using the Black Sea as its base and later our Crimea as a staging ground for Russian military operations. Now the situation has changed fundamentally. And when we add even more security to the Black Sea, Russia will lose any opportunities to dominate this maritime area and spread its influence and destructiveness into other countries. The more protection on our coastline, in our sea, the more security in the world.

Today at the Security Council, the commander of the Navy, head of the SBU, and chief of the General Staff gave reports about our actions in the south and on the sea. The heads of the respective directions. I am grateful to all those involved in this work for making Ukraine stronger in these areas. Of course, we analyzed events at the front — in all key points. Avdiivka, Mariinka, Kupiansk, the Lyman direction, the south — guys, thank you for today's day! There were reports from the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Strategic Industries about ammunition and equipment — we are increasing our production and preparing new defense packages from partners.

I held a special ceremony to award state honors — precisely those of our soldiers who increase Ukraine's strength in the battle for the sea. Navy and border guards, providing protection to our maritime area. Soldiers of the General Staff and SBU. Engineers making our new weapons — our marine drones, ensuring their operation. These are all guys whose names we cannot reveal or attach to specific events yet, while the war is still ongoing. But they truly deserve gratitude from the state and people. I thanked them on behalf of all Ukrainians.

I held a preparatory meeting regarding our work with the European Union. One of Ukraine's key political goals for the end of this year — is our readiness to open negotiations about EU membership. All levels of government must be ready for this. And they will be. We expect similar readiness from European institutions — we clearly understand our priorities and are preparing our steps.

I spoke with Bulgaria's Prime Minister Denkov. Actually, about everything that is the essence of today, this time for Ukraine. Thankful to Bulgaria for supporting our movement towards the EU, for our very fruitful partnership in the Black Sea — in trade and security. It is important that agreements reached during my visit to Bulgaria are fully being implemented. We also discussed additional security possibilities.

The current world is set up such that it quickly gets used to successes. When full-scale aggression began, many around the world expected Ukraine would not stand. Now what our people and all our soldiers do is simply taken for granted. The success of Ukraine in the battle for the Black Sea — this will be in history books, even if it's not often discussed now. But... Let them think as they wish, we have to do our part — defend our country, Ukrainian independence, our lives, our culture, Ukrainian freedom. And we will!

I thank everyone around the world who helps Ukraine! Glory to every one of our soldiers! Glory to all who do not retreat, do not tire, who believe in Ukraine as much as on February 24th, and fight for Ukraine just as hard, who care about Ukraine. Adding strength to our country every day — that is what we need.

Glory to Ukraine!"