In a poignant address on November 21, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for national unity to achieve a dignified peace amidst ongoing pressures and challenges. Speaking to the nation, Zelenskyy underscored the difficult choices facing Ukraine, including threats to the nation’s dignity and freedom, and the risk of losing key international partnerships.

Zelenskyy reaffirmed his commitment to the oath of loyalty he took in 2019, promising to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and the rights of its citizens against all odds. He highlighted his administration’s efforts to work constructively with the United States and other partners, dispelling any notions that Ukraine is obstructive to the peace process. The Ukrainian leader detailed his proactive diplomatic engagements aimed at ensuring that core national values of dignity and freedom remain uncompromised.

The President’s speech also reflected on the broader implications of the conflict for Europe and the global community. He stressed Ukraine’s role as a buffer against threats to European stability posed by external aggressors. Amidst the backdrop of a potential harsh winter and ongoing military aggression, Zelenskyy’s message was clear: the spirit of the Ukrainian people remains unbroken, and the fight for a dignified existence continues relentlessly. With a call for unity and perseverance, he rallied the nation to stand firm in the face of adversity, ensuring that the legacy of those who have sacrificed for Ukraine’s freedom is honored with a lasting and dignified peace.