I wish you good health, dear Ukrainians!
A short report from this day.
First - video conferencing. The military, the intelligence services, our security forces, government officials. Pay special attention to the front, of course. And a report on the work of our maritime export corridor - I am grateful to all those who are fighting and working to ensure Ukraine's access to the global market. The results are good. Russia is gradually losing control of the Black Sea and retreating to eastern waters... We'll get there too.
Second - extended meetings with our government officials. On the steps that Ukraine needs to take, both in the context of our transition and in the context of our cooperation with partners. Specific reforms. In different areas. We are preparing draft laws and government decisions. Some of them will be adopted in the coming weeks.
Third - an interview with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. Our progress towards the European Union. We expect a decision to start membership negotiations this year. This decision will be significant, a very symbolic step that reflects what Ukraine has achieved. We also discussed the situation in the Middle East - the threat of escalation, a tragic scenario. It is important to protect as many lives as possible. I have invited Charles, Mr President, to visit Ukraine.
Fourth - I had a meeting with the Minister of Defence of the Netherlands, who visited Ukraine. The Minister visited Kharkiv - and I am grateful to have paid attention to one of our largest cities, which suffers from Russian terror on an almost daily basis. We discussed in detail the defence support that the Netherlands provides, and this is crucial. Our agreements with Mark, Prime Minister Rutte, are being fully implemented. I am grateful to the entire political class of the Netherlands and to the entire society for their faith in Ukraine, for their faith in our people.
Fifth, I am grateful to the United States for the new and very strong decision on sanctions. More than 220 Russian - and not only Russian - entities working on aggression are now subject to US sanctions. That is what is needed. Critical sectors of the aggressor's economy. Sensitive schemes for terrorists. And any sanctions decision must work to the fullest extent - so that Russia has no chance to circumvent the sanctions. The power of sanctions is the power of the world. To that end, we are constantly communicating with our partners - a united world must only be stronger.
Two more things.
I had a very substantive meeting with government officials. Different lines of government work. We discussed the steps needed to transform our country, our work with partners, with donors. About government decisions, necessary laws, strengthening of institutions. We are prioritizing and preparing new steps - in the coming weeks, by the end of the year and on an annual basis.
And what I do every day is a great honor. Our warriors. Our gratitude. Those who have distinguished themselves on this day. Direction Vuhredar - our strong 72nd Independent Mechanized Brigade. Thank you, people! Maryinka - paratroopers of the 79th Brigade, bravo! Avdiyivka direction - 31st, 47th, 53rd and 110th independent mechanized brigades. Thank you to every soldier!
And the Kupiansky direction - 14th and 32nd Independent Mechanized Brigade, 57th Independent Motorized Infantry Brigade - I'm proud of you guys! And I believe in you - just like on 24 February. I'm sure Ukraine will win for sure. Be sure.
I am proud of everyone who fights for Ukraine, who destroys the occupiers, who restores our positions. Those who are in the trenches right now. Those who are on the battle stations. Those who are training our soldiers. Those who are producing weapons, ammunition and equipment for Ukraine. Those who teach our children. Those who heal and rescue after strikes. Those who ensure normal life in our cities. Those who give us light. All those who give us confidence - our parents, our children... Those who love us. Those who pray for us, for victory. Those who help us from all corners of the world. Those who endured the basements and the occupation - and did not break. All those who do everything every day for the liberation of Ukraine and Ukrainians from Russian captivity.
I am proud of you, Ukrainians! I'm proud of you, Ukrainian soldier!
Hail Ukraine!
(president.gov.ua/RoZ)
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