President: We are doing everything to return to rules of peacetime as soon as possible

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in a nightly address on May 21, Ukrinform reports.

"We are doing everything we can to return to the rules of peacetime as soon as possible. I would also like to express my gratitude to all those who are working to make Ukraine a part of a united Europe. To all our diplomats, to all our civil servants who now have a few weeks to complete the task that other countries have been overcoming for years when joining the European Union," Zelensky said.

He stressed that Ukraine's European integration path is not just about politics. It's about quality of life and about the fact that Ukrainians see the values of life in the same way as the vast majority of Europeans, he added.

"I held talks with the Prime Minister of Portugal in Kyiv today. I thanked him for all the support that Portugal is currently providing to Ukraine. This is defense, political and humanitarian support. I am grateful for the warm treatment of our people who have taken refuge in Portugal," Zelensky said.

According to him, he discussed with the Prime Minister of Portugal the further strengthening of sanctions against Russia and the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. "Portugal is ready to join the reconstruction of Ukraine, the reconstruction of Ukrainian schools and kindergartens," Zelensky said.

Photo: President's Office