President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Ukrainians on Independence Day. In a video recorded near St Michael’s Cathedral, he said that in his plans for Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin made his biggest mistake: he counted stockpiles, resources and equipment, but failed to take into account the most important thing — people.
People are the greatest achievement of Ukraine’s Independence. People who take responsibility and claw their way to peace.
“Thank you to all our warriors who, all these years, all these days and right now, at this very moment, are fighting so that Ukraine may live,” he said.
Ukraine’s army is the best army in Europe, the President is convinced. He highlighted the heroic act of Vladyslav Polskyi, who evacuated two wounded soldiers from a unit that was not his own, despite the threat of strikes. Through will, technology and dignity, we are already defeating Russia.
When an entire village restores a stork’s nest; when wounded brothers-in-arms are carried on shoulders up Hoverla; when a minibus driver sings to lift passengers’ spirits after shelling.
Ukraine’s defence industry is a giant that forges independence 24/7. Tens of thousands of unmanned ground vehicles protect the lives of the troops, but more are needed. More sea drones, more strike capabilities. Long-range firepower cuts profits; mid-range strikes disrupt logistics.
“Flamingo (missiles. – Ed.) must not be a rare bird. They should spend the winter in Russia,” the President said.
Ukraine is now shooting down 90% of Shaheds. Russia has switched to jet-powered drones, but Ukraine is learning to shoot those down too. Ukraine remains true to itself and is proud of its people, the President believes.
He added that all Ukrainian cities are very far from Russia in terms of values. The President believes we need to grasp four things: what has been achieved, where we are now, what lies ahead, and what we must do.
Putin still expects Ukraine to endure. But that country no longer exists — except in his folders of reports. Ukraine is not an observer but a player. It will not allow the world to be deceived into thinking that ending the war requires handing over Donbas. There are no illusions. There is no faith. Ukraine will not save Russia half a million soldiers. Russia wants a new mobilisation, so Ukrainian warriors must be provided with everything they need.
Russia wanted to take what is ours, but instead lost what is its own: refineries, people, its fleet and its profits. For 27 years Putin has talked about greatness, yet his country is queuing for petrol.
Zelenskyy believes that all contradictions and phobias regarding Russia will disappear in the United States. Sanctions are needed — sanctions after which Russians will howl. They must be brought to the negotiating table.
“We are not asking you to fight for us. Give Ukraine everything it needs to stop this war. Stop it faster than Putin can manage to start the next one,” he said, calling for joint action.
Europe should be united and strong. China must not remain silent. It must respond to nuclear threats and cool tempers. It must prove its ambition to be one of the world’s leaders, so that no dictator can threaten the world with warheads.
Ukraine remembers everyone who stood with it in the hardest times. Nothing will shake the coalition Ukraine has gathered around itself. Ukraine does not ask — it motivates and unites. Ukraine will win peace.