President Volodymyr Zelenskyi addressed students and rectors of the Ukrainian universities. In the speech he emphasized that Ukraine is now "in such a situation when we can choose for it the future we want".
"These are big opportunities, it's time to determine which kind of Ukraine you want to live in. So my first question to you today is exactly about it: what should our country be? And this question is logically followed by a number of related questions. Do you want to live in Ukraine? Do you expect changes from Ukraine, to live here? Or, on the contrary, you think our country already has everything to live in it," Zelenskyi said during online-meeting with students and rectors.
He emphasized that despite bold plans to rebuild the country, it is necessary to understand that "russia will always be near. And maybe it will always be a threat".
Zelenskyi emphasized that despite the attitude of the world to Ukraine, it is important "what we think about ourselves. What our people feel about our country… What kind of Ukraine should our country be for you to be sure that we will be able to protect ourselves from any threat?"
The President also touched the issue of everybody`s contribution to the national security of Ukraine.
"If any of you is not ready to defend the country – okay, then say, why is that? Maybe you see another contribution from you to the common national security that is really special? Maybe it's something in the area of cybersecurity. Maybe you want to contribute by some kind of volunteering. Maybe as future entrepreneurs or scientists – you see some other option for yourselves," asked Zelenskyi.
He emphasized that the current war with russia is the war for independence. "One can say it's a delayed war. Delayed for 30 years, considering how we gained independence in 1991. Or even for hundreds of years, considering the previous history of our great country. I have no doubt that we will gain our independence. And it will be the same in our history as for other countries that fought for independence and won. That stopped being beggars and became subjects. True masters of their lives and their future," emphasized the President.
He urged to remember about those who gave their lives for the opportunity to remain free. "The price of it all – tens of thousands of lives. Lives of everyone who was killed by the enemy. Tens of thousands. For independence. And for the opportunity for each of you to choose how to live and in which kind of Ukraine," added Zelenskyi.