President's Address to the Nation on Independence Day

President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the people of Ukraine from Independence Square, emphasizing the significance of this place for our nation.

This was part of his address to the Ukrainian people on the occasion of Independence Day.

«We are building Ukraine, which will have the strength and power to live in peace and security. On this square, in our independence square, under our flags, our children and grandchildren will celebrate Independence Day. In peace. In tranquility. With confidence in the future. With respect. And with gratitude to all who defended Ukraine in this war for independence, who stood firm, who could, who triumphed», said Zelensky.

He stressed that living for such a purpose is worthwhile. «This is what we stand for», he said.

Zelensky noted that Ukraine will never again be forced into the shame that the Russians call «compromise».

«We need a just peace. Only we can decide what our future will be. And the world knows this. The world respects Ukraine. It sees Ukraine as an equal», emphasized the President.

He mentioned that just a week ago, he represented such a Ukraine in the United States.

«Today, both the U.S. and Europe agree: Ukraine has not yet won, but it definitely will not lose. Ukraine has earned its independence. Ukraine is not a victim, it is a fighter. Ukraine does not beg, it offers. Alliance and partnership. The best army in Europe. Advanced defense technologies. Experience in resilience. We say: «We need the EU». Yes. But we need it just as much. And everyone acknowledges this. And this is how Ukraine is recognized: not as a poor relative but as a strong ally», he stated in his address.

He assured that Ukraine will achieve a sustainable, reliable, and lasting peace.

«Ukraine will achieve it because it will receive security guarantees strong enough that no one in the world will even think of attacking Ukraine. This is not only our goal but what we want to pass on to our children and grandchildren: a strong Ukraine, an equal Ukraine, a European Ukraine, an independent Ukraine», assured the head of state.

Let us remind you that on August 24, Ukraine celebrates the 34th anniversary of its independence proclamation, a holiday established in honor of the adoption of the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine by the Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian SSR on August 24, 1991. This year, the country celebrates its main national holiday for the fourth time under the conditions of a full-scale war waged by Russia against the Ukrainian people.