President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Ukrainians on Independence Day, a "day of free and strong people". The video was recorded against the backdrop of a mural with Oleksandr Matsiyevskyy, a defender and Hero of Ukraine, who shouted "Glory to Ukraine!" in the face of Russian troops before being shot.
The president noted that Ukraine's independence is a "value for each of us, and we are fighting for it". He dedicated his video address to everyone who contributes to Ukraine independence.
"And everyone is important in this struggle. Because this fight is for something that is important to everyone. This is an independent Ukraine. In a big war, there are no small things. There are no unnecessary ones, no unimportant ones. This is true of people, actions and words," the president said.
The president thanked the soldiers, their parents and all Ukrainian families who had instilled in their children love for Ukraine and courage to defend it. He thanked everyone who is waiting for their loved ones from the frontline.
"Every word is important. And everyone who makes sure that this word is spoken and heard is important. Who provides communication in the country," he added.
The president honoured all those who gave their lives in the struggle for Ukraine.
He thanked Ukrainian mothers, teachers, doctors, and Ukrainian arms manufacturers, whose names are still classified.
"And when we are proud to have sunk the flagship of the enemy fleet, the Moskva cruiser, when we rejoice at the hits on the Kerch Bridge, we thank those who are not to be mentioned now, not to me named," he added.
This year, Ukraine celebrates the 32nd anniversary of its independence, proclaimed in 1991. There are no celebrations due to the full-scale war.