President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, informing about the consequences of this morning's terrorist missile strike and an important decision by the National Security and Defense Council.

"Dear Ukrainians,

Firstly, regarding today’s Russian attack. Almost 40 missiles of various types – another combined assault to try and circumvent our air defense system. A significant portion of the missiles were intercepted. Unfortunately, there are hits. Over 200 different objects have been damaged – 139 residential buildings alone... 130 people injured or wounded. All those affected are receiving necessary assistance. Sadly, 18 people lost their lives… My condolences to all relatives and loved ones. And this death toll may rise further. Particularly in Kharkiv, rescue operations continue – clearing debris from a collapsed building. A typical multi-story residential complex, where ordinary people lived.

Just normal life – that's what contemporary Russia considers a threat to itself. This state is a typical terrorist. And let them know in Russia that the Ukrainian character can be quite long-range in response. The Russian war will inevitably return home – back to where this evil came from, where it needs to be contained. In Russia. I thank everyone who ensures that the logistics of the terrorist state, its infrastructure, and the very Russian state feel the true cost of war.

Secondly today. I want to highlight our entire State Emergency Service of Ukraine team, each person working tirelessly to save lives after attacks. Day and night they dedicate themselves to ensuring everyone is rescued. Kharkiv and region, Kyiv and region, Sumy, Chernihiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and region, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Dnipro and region, Kropyvnytskyi and region. All our regions, all our communities that require protection and receive it from the State Emergency Service. Thank you to everyone in service for your dedication, professionalism, and humanity.

Especially I want to mention SES employees in Kharkiv Oblast: Sergeant Oleksiy Rudchenko, Senior Master Sergeants Serhiy Onoprienko and Ruslan Holiik, Senior Lieutenant Vitalii Pidlisnyi and Major Mykita Zakharchov. Thank you all!

SES in Kyiv city: Master Sergeant Andriy Didkovskyi, Senior Master Sergeants Mykhailo Knysh, Konstantin Konev and Serhiy Nakonechnyi, as well as Captain Ievdokiia Davydchenko. Thank you all!

And our Donetsk region, SES oblast: Sergeants Artur Taranenko, Artem Tolmachov, Konstantin Kalus and Stepan Holiievets, as well as Civil Defense Service Captains Serhiy Subbotin and Oleksandr Pekhterev. Thank you to everyone who rescues and helps save lives.

Thirdly today, something important to say.

I met with the head of the European People's Party Manfred Weber – he was visiting Ukraine today. A significant European political force. Our discussion was quite productive. I informed him about the situation on the battlefield and our defense against Russian terror. We must continue to strengthen cooperation with all partners regarding air defense systems – this is a priority for this year, both in protecting our cities and villages and defending positions at the front line, which will influence the strategic situation, that is, the course of the war overall. I am grateful to every partner who helps us with this. Of course, we also discussed with the head of the European People's Party about our work at the level of European institutions, expectations from the work of the European Council and – in detail – about Ukraine’s integration.

And one more thing. NSDC.

Today there is a decision by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine regarding economic security and stability right now, during wartime. Clear steps are defined to help both Ukrainian businesses and state institutions overcome all those complex issues that have been discussed in recent weeks. As agreed between government officials and business representatives, a Support for Entrepreneurship Council will be formed, including representatives from the business community. These are well-known names, leaders of Ukrainian companies. Business that works for millions of people. The technology sector, finance, services, and other industries. Different sectors to have different perspectives. But one task – strengthening our economy and society.

In addition, absolute clarity regarding law enforcement agencies. The government will present changes to the Law on the Bureau of Economic Security and certain other laws to maximize restrictions on any potential pressure on 'white', legal business. A three-month moratorium has been defined at the NSDC level for procedural actions that could block a company's operations. Also, an audit of the risk monitoring system for tax invoices must be conducted, all issues with tax invoices need to be resolved. And much more – all in detail in the decree.

The state will fulfill its part of the moral contract with business. It is important that each entrepreneur in Ukraine fulfills their part of the agreement as well: business pays taxes, operates legally, 'in white', respects employees and does not work with Russia. We all work only for Ukrainian victory!

I thank everyone who strengthens Ukraine, protects Ukrainians, fights, works and helps so that Ukraine stands firm and wins.

Glory to Ukraine!"