President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about the situation in our regions affected by disasters and important international talks.

"Dear Ukrainians,

Here are some summaries for today.

First. Since morning, I have been receiving reports about the situation in our regions affected by disasters. Almost 1500 populated areas across 17 oblasts were impacted. Everywhere, energy workers are working to restore supply. As soon as it becomes possible, every city and village will receive electricity. At present, only from the side of Ukraine's State Emergency Service, hundreds of people and units of equipment work around the clock. The National Police and National Guard are also helping, along with municipal services. I am grateful to everyone in the regions along the line of oblast and local authorities who have joined the help for people promptly and achieved results. In every community, it is important now to do as much as possible so that we do not lose lives due to disasters. Unfortunately, there are fatalities at present — mostly in Odesa Oblast, five people. My condolences to relatives and loved ones... At least 19 people were injured. All received necessary help. Both on the state level and regionally, operational headquarters will continue working until normalcy is restored.

Currently, the eye of the cyclone is moving towards northern regions — everywhere ready to help. There were reports about assistance to drivers on blocked roads as well. I thank volunteers who support people in communities, especially. It's very important now to care for those living alone and elderly people. Today, I would like to particularly highlight the entire team of Ukraine's State Emergency Service, National Guard, and National Police. Who are providing help around the clock. In particular, extraordinary officers from Odesa region. These days they have shown themselves maximally: Captain Serhiy Lisin, commander of 45th state fire-fighting unit; master sergeant Ruslan Bugayev, driver of 7th state fire-fighting unit; master sergeant Petro Kalaman, electrician-driver of rescue department of 20th fire-fighting unit. Also National Guard soldiers: soldier Serhiy Demov, captain Serhiy Melnyk and colonel Volodymyr Lytvynuk. I thank you and all your colleagues for helping people!

I also held important international talks today. In particular, with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. We discussed the situation in the Middle East, current events and prospects, development of our bilateral relations and joint work towards full realization of Peace Formula. Saudi Arabia is very helpful on this front, and I am grateful for that. I spoke also with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Naturally, about the EU's preparation to make decisions regarding starting negotiations with Ukraine on accession — everything that our country needs to do, we are doing. We talked also about continuing next year’s support for our country from the EU.

Today I addressed participants of the session of the International Maritime Organization — one of the most prestigious institutions in the world overseeing safety — maritime safety. I informed about Ukraine's successes in the Black Sea — what Ukrainians did to restore normal sea routes in the Black Sea. I thanked for support of our efforts and called on to hold Russia accountable for aggression and terror, for violation of all fundamental freedoms and rules that underpin international order.

Today I also held preparatory talks about various international events planned over the next weeks and until year-end. We clearly see Ukraine's perspective and what is needed to achieve our goals. Every day we work with partners on new packages of military support — support for our soldiers. Signed another decree awarding Ukrainian servicemen state honors — 115 military personnel. In total, since February 24th till today already 64 thousand 258 of our soldiers from all Defense and Security Forces have been awarded state honors. Mass heroism, mass resilience, mass focus on Ukraine gaining advantages in this war. I thank everyone fighting for Ukraine and Ukrainians! I thank all commanders who care about the lives of soldiers! Thank you to everyone focused solely on making our country stronger — the entire country. You do not win this battle alone — only together, everyone caring one for another and for Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!"