Zelenskyy Vows Ukraine Will Endure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked the country’s 35th Independence Day by praising the resilience of Ukrainians and vowing that Ukraine would continue resisting Russia’s full-scale invasion. In an address published Aug. 24, he said national unity remained the country’s central strength as the war entered its fifth year.

Zelenskyy thanked Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, highlighting military operations that he said had defended major cities and prevented Russia from achieving its territorial aims. He also pointed to humanitarian efforts, volunteer work and everyday acts of solidarity as evidence that the war had not hardened Ukrainian society.

The president said Ukraine’s defense industry was expanding its use of ground robotic systems, naval drones and long-range strike capabilities. He called for further development of defenses against Russian drones and ballistic missiles, while asserting that Ukrainian strikes had damaged Russian logistics, military assets and economic infrastructure. The claims were presented in the address and were not independently verified.

Zelenskyy urged continued support from the United States, Europe and other international partners, including stronger sanctions and additional military assistance. He said Ukraine would not surrender territory for a temporary settlement and argued that Russia should be compelled to negotiate. “Ukraine absolutely wants peace, but it is not ready to simply surrender,” he said, concluding with a call to protect the country’s independence and remember those killed in the war.