President Zelenskyy: Each unit that completes its mission protects the entire country

“Every one of our units that successfully fulfills its mission on its front is protecting the entire country,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a traditional address to the Ukrainian nation on June 9.

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today, the first stage of the prisoner exchange agreed in Istanbul has begun. More stages will follow – at least, that’s what was discussed with the Russian side. This exchange is to include the wounded, the severely wounded, and also those aged 25 and younger. The exchange process is expected to take place over multiple days. The details of the process are quite sensitive, so for now, there is less information than usual. I thank everyone who is helping to carry out the exchange and working to ensure that all our people can return home from Russian captivity.

I held a meeting on June’s international agenda – much has already been planned. And one of the key issues will be precisely this: speeding up diplomacy and achieving real decisions. No meeting should be hollow – in Ukraine, we must always feel the exact value of each negotiation, each format. If a meeting doesn’t bring us closer to decisions that can end the war through diplomacy, then there must be decisions that will help strengthen our defense, our active operations, or increase pressure on Russia. Severe pressure on Russia or real, effective diplomacy to end the war – those are the only possible options.

Full text of the address: Office of the President of Ukraine