The country longs for a secure and just peace, President Volodymyr Zelensky declared on Sunday in Kiev on the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day. In a video recording recorded at the foot of the monument erected in Independence Square (the"Maidan") in 2001 to mark the 10th anniversary, the president emphasized, referring to the Ukrainian territories that have come under Russian control in the current war: the unity of Ukrainians cannot be broken by any"temporary occupation," MTI reported.
“One day the distance between Ukrainians will disappear, and we will become one country and one family again. It’s just a matter of time,” he promised. He stated that Ukraine was ready to retaliate against any Russian attack and to damage Russian strategic infrastructure until Russia agrees to a ceasefire.
No one can stop us from taking these retaliatory strikes, because they are just. Ukraine has already proven that it is capable of resisting the second most powerful army in the world and is successfully defending its independence.
– he added.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine will not make unprincipled compromises for the sake of peace and wants a fair and comprehensive peace treaty with security guarantees.
Only we can decide our future. Ukraine receives such strong security guarantees from its allies that no one can even think of attacking the country
– he said.
On social media, Zelensky thanked foreign leaders who sent their greetings on the 34th anniversary of independence, including Pope Leo XIV, US President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Chinese President Xi Jinping and British monarch Charles III. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen paid tribute to Ukraine's fight for a"free, democratic and independent" country on the 10th."We are with you, no matter how long it takes, because a free Ukraine means a free Europe," she wrote.
The Polish Foreign Minister also congratulated Ukraine on the anniversary at the X.
Stay strong, Ukraine! No more gulags, famines, Russification! Slava Ukraini! (Glory to Ukraine!)
– wrote Radoslaw Sikorski.
German leaders also assured Ukraine of their support. In a message published on X in German, English and Ukrainian, Chancellor Friedrich Merz assured the country of Berlin's continued support in defending itself against Russian aggression. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his hope that the Independence Day commemorations would increase the courage of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Kyiv on Independence Day. In a message posted on X, Carney stated that his country will increase its support for Ukraine in its efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace. General Keith Kellogg, the US President's special envoy to Ukraine, will also be present at the Kyiv commemoration.
