In the evening of April 18, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traditionally addressed Ukrainians and talked about the main events of the day.

"We are ending this day in Poltava. It has been quite a long and emotional day," the president admitted.

Visit to Donbas

"In the morning, I was in Donetsk region, in our Avdiivka. It is difficult to see what Russian terrorists have done to this city. And honor to each of our soldiers, to all Ukrainian men and women, who have been restraining and gradually destroying this Russian evil for 419 days and nine years," – said the head of state.

In Donbas, Zelensky congratulated the Ukrainian military on Easter and presented awards.

He especially noted:

55th separate artillery brigade, marines of the 35th and 36th separate brigades, paratroopers of the 79th separate brigade, soldiers of the 110th separate mechanized brigade, 501st separate battalion of marines, separate presidential brigade named after Bohdan Khmelnytskyi.

Zelenskyi also noted those fighters who identify and destroy enemy positions from which the occupier fires at our cities and villages.

"Russian strikes on Kherson, on Beryslav district, on the cities of Donetsk region - all enemy strikes will receive our response. A tangible response," he assured.

In addition, the president thanked all our Medical Forces, all doctors, nurses and brothers who bring our defenders back to life after injuries.

Visit to Poltava

In Poltava, President Zelensky held a meeting on the situation in the region.

"Military leadership, local authorities... First and foremost - security and social issues, security for educational institutions, reconstruction, support for displaced persons. There are decisions regarding the restoration of energy - generation and networks. There are various tasks at the working level - what we should support Poltava Oblast with. And the obligation we will definitely do it," he assured.

Negotiations with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the US Congress

From Poltava, Zelensky had a telephone conversation with the speaker of the US House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy.

"Thanked for his continued bipartisan support. Just after a trip to the frontlines, briefed Mr. McCarthy on what's happening now on the front lines, our defense needs and capabilities. Raised the issue of the F-16, long-range weapons, additional artillery, and the tribunal -- the tribunal on Russian aggression of our state

Together, we make the free world stronger, and every dollar invested in that strength is fully transparent and accountable to our partners.

I invited Mr. Speaker to visit Ukraine," the head of state said.

We will remind you that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a new meeting of the Stavka, where the likely actions of the occupiers in the near future were discussed.

Read also:

• Ukraine news

• War in Ukraine

• News of Ukraine: video

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