"Ukraine is different and won't give up what's hers." Zelenskyy congratulated the country on Independence Day

According to Zelenskyy, Russia was mistaken when, in forecasting the war, it only took into account Ukrainian resources, equipment, and warehouses.

"The enemy counted our resources, warehouses, our equipment, but did not take into account the main thing: people — the main achievement of Ukraine's Independence," said the President of Ukraine.

He emphasized that it is the mutual support of Ukrainians that allows the country to hold on.

Zelenskyy specifically thanked Ukrainian military personnel and called them "the best army in Europe."

"You are not giving away our Donbas, you are not giving away Ukraine. You are the best defenders. You are the best army in Europe. Period."

The President of Ukraine noted that the Ukrainian army relies not only on equipment and military doctrines but also on human courage: "We have preserved tenderness, though we could have become brutal."

According to Zelenskyy, this is what distinguishes Ukraine from Russia and makes it stronger:

"We have not become callous as a whole country; we fight, laugh, cry, and love as a whole country. And by this, we are a hundred times stronger than Russia."

Separately, the President of Ukraine spoke about the development of the Ukrainian defense industry. According to him, Ukraine is already massively using ground-based robotic systems, naval drones, and long-range weapons, but this is not enough — production needs to be increased.

"In reality, our defense industry complex (DIC) today is a giant forging Independence 24/7. And we must do more."

Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine must also find a solution against Russian ballistic terror.

He recalled that at the beginning of the war, massive "Shahed" attacks seemed an almost insurmountable problem, but now Ukraine shoots down more than 90% of such drones.

"Ukraine is doing everything for this. And it will. Because it has already proven multiple times: our perseverance is not within their caliber," he said.

The main political part of the speech was dedicated to Russia and possible negotiations. Zelenskyy stated that the Kremlin must not be allowed to force Ukraine to give up Donbas in exchange for a promise of a quick end to the war:

"We will not let them seize the initiative, deceive Europe and the whole world, saying that one simply needs to give up Donbas, and everything will end quickly."

He emphasized that Ukraine does not believe Russian promises and is not going to abandon its territories:

"There are no illusions. There is no trust in them."

According to Zelenskyy, Russia does not demonstrate a genuine desire for peace but is preparing for further mobilization.

"Putin hopes that we are tired. We know that he is mortal. He never understood us. Now he will not have time. You wanted to take all of our Ukraine, all of our land, but in return, you lost your oil refineries, your fleet, your profits, and your entire generation, which you threw into the meat grinder. You wanted us to be wiped off the map; now you are not on the international agenda of future civilization. For twenty-seven years, the leader of Russia has been talking about greatness, while Russia stands in queues for gasoline. We must be united and put pressure on them. Ukraine, Europe, America, the world," he said.

Zelenskyy also addressed the USA, Europe, and China. He stated that Ukraine is not asking partners to fight on its behalf, but demands to be given everything necessary to end the war.

"We are not asking you to fight for us. Give Ukraine everything to stop this war, to stop it faster than Putin manages to start the next one."

He called on Europe to be more united and courageous, and China to use its influence to deter Russia.

"China must no longer remain silent. If someone dresses in a sailor suit and a cap and, poorly pronouncing some words, talks about a nuclear strike, China must react, must cool their ardor. China must prove its ambitions to be one of the world leaders, not only economically and technologically, but also civilizationally — to make it clear that no dictators should threaten the planet with their old warheads," he said.

Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is no longer a state that merely asks for help.

Speaking about 35 years of independence, the president emphasized that no one gifted independence to Ukraine — it was restored, and it had to be fought for.

On February 24, 2022, according to Zelenskyy, the war posed a question to Ukrainians: who they are and whether they are capable of defending their state: "And I thank the millions of Ukrainians who have given and continue to give an answer in favor of Ukraine, in favor of Independence," he said.

Zelenskyy admitted that Ukrainians are tired of the war and truly want peace, but are not ready to surrender:

"Ukraine, undoubtedly, truly wants peace, but is not ready to simply give up and surrender."

He also recalled that many predictions regarding Ukraine over the past 35 years did not come true: they said that the state would not come into being, that it would not withstand crises, and in the first days of the full-scale invasion — that it would last only a few days:

"But we have held on all this time — the time of war for Independence."

Concluding his speech, Zelenskyy stated that the day the war ends will definitely come. According to him, Ukraine must emerge from this war preserved, free, and independent:

"This is what we are fighting for. This is what we stand for. With faith in each other, in our Defense Forces, in our state."

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