Addressing the Nation on Statehood Day

President Volodymyr Zelensky has addressed the nation in honor of Statehood Day.

The text of the address was released by the Office of the President.

Dear Ukrainians!

On July 15th, we celebrate an important day: Statehood Day.

This day, representing the baptism of Kyivan Rus, is about connection. It reflects all stages of our nation-building and unites generations from a thousand years ago to the present.

A bridge across time, supported by three unshakable pillars: Ukrainians were here, Ukrainians are here, and Ukrainians will be here.

And life always triumphs on this land; our values and character prevail. The best in our people, who, despite the war, tears, and pain, have preserved their humanity and care for one another, thus safeguarding their state.

Thousands of our fates and stories prove this. Stories of experiences, of the feelings of each individual, whether a warrior, teacher, musician, drone developer, or President.

These are tales of our days, nights, and mornings. Of a night “at zero,” described by a soldier. “They’re pushing. They’re coming from everywhere. We stand firm. And you hold on. We read the news about shelling peaceful cities. What can we say... This is a war for all of us. And may God grant us peace.”

A young mother reads this post at night in the subway, holding her daughter. The little one looks around, as if wanting to remember everything. To tell her children about these nights in the subway, about this pinnacle of human spirit.

When a grandfather inflates a mattress for three grandchildren, carefully covers them with a blanket, and hears, “Grandpa, what about cartoons?” He pulls out a tablet and says, “Of course, Cossacks, how can we do without cartoons?”

Nearby, people settle down in sleeping bags on the hard floor, but with the same firmness inside. The firmness to overcome this night. And throughout such a night, phones flicker with dozens of notifications on platforms, parking lots, shelters, corridors, and bathrooms.

“Incoming.” “Air defense is operational.” “Stay in shelters.”

And we remain, to stay Ukrainians in our homeland, to see the sun rise, and despite everything, to greet one another: “Good morning!”

We always have faith that this will happen. Throughout the centuries, whether during Rus, or Sich, in all eras, no matter the enemy or the direction they come from, nothing hostile takes root in this land. And Ukraine remains – true to itself.

And morning will inevitably come.

And though you want to sleep a little longer, you find the strength to get up. You write to your loved ones, rejoice when all is well. You read the post of the same soldier: “We held them off! We have a few hours to catch our breath.” And someone writes: “We have a few urgent needs…” You contribute to the collection and step outside.

On this morning, walking through your city, you see your people around you. You see the faces and eyes of those who, despite everything, are filled with life.

You see cafes opening, transportation running despite all odds.

And you understand: the state is its people. Their strength, resilience, sincerity, and light.

At bus stops, in traffic jams, in the queue for morning coffee, when everyone is a bit slow because they have only slept a few hours. But everyone knows this and treats those around with understanding and warmth. To Ukrainians who have held out for 1238 days.

And every day we overcome together. In unity. Through deeds, support, encouraging one another, and of course, joking with each other. Sometimes, because without this, we cannot do.

And when the women from the municipal services plant flowers in the square, you hear: “Let those Russians choke, we have summer, and everything must be beautiful here!”

Every such night is a night of resilience, and every such morning is a morning of unity, showing who we truly are.

We often hear from partners: “How do your people manage? Such strength, endurance, steeliness…” They say: “This is the phenomenon of the Ukrainian people.”

Yes, those are pleasant words, but today Ukrainians endure not for that, not for loud epithets directed at us. We are simply people defending our home, our home, and we cannot do otherwise, nor do we want to. We do not want Russia here. That is the whole truth.

And everything that Ukraine goes through daily is not normality; it is a great deed that you all are doing. Heroes at the front, those holding the lines, those shooting down rockets and drones, those extinguishing fires, those clearing rubble. And every citizen who holds on during this challenging time.

I thank you. Millions of Ukrainians. Millions of characters that make up our state. Our people. Our history. And the journey from the baptism of Rus to today's Statehood Day and the experience of each generation that helps us today to endure, believe in ourselves, believe in Ukraine, and believe that we can do it.

Because Ukrainians were here, Ukrainians are here, Ukrainians will be here.

Happy Statehood Day, dear citizens!

Happy Day of the Baptism of Rus – Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!