Ukraine wants peace but won't give in, Zelenskyy says on Independence Day

Ukraine desires peace but refuses to surrender territory to Russia at any price, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared on Independence Day, striking a defiant tone. Foreign leaders, including British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa, gathered in Kyiv to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union.

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Ukraine absolutely wants peace, but it's not ready to simply surrender.

Standing before burned-out Russian tanks displayed in Kyiv's St. Michael's monastery square, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's resolve. "Ukraine absolutely wants peace, but it's not ready to simply surrender," he stated in a video address. He rejected Russia's demand for Ukraine to cede the remaining part of the eastern Donbas region, asserting that such a move would not halt Russian aggression. "We will not let them (Russians) seize the initiative, deceive Europe and the entire world into thinking that we simply need to give up Donbas and everything will be over soon," he added.

The conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties and devastated large areas of Ukraine. Peace talks have stalled, with fighting continuing along a 1,200km frontline. Despite Russia's battlefield advances slowing this year and Ukraine recapturing some territory, Moscow's forces are threatening the strategic city of Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region, part of the Donbas.

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We will not let them (Russians) seize the initiative, deceive Europe and the entire world into thinking that we simply need to give up Donbas and everything will be over soon.

Zelenskyy also appealed to allies for comprehensive support, urging them to provide Ukraine with "everything" needed to end the war. He called for increased sanctions against Russia and expressed hope that the United States would overcome its hesitations regarding Russia. "China must no longer remain silent," he urged.

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Ukraine has also increased its long-range attacks on Russian refineries and logistics infrastructure, aimed at undermining Moscow's war effort.

Other international dignitaries attending the celebrations included Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Moldova's President Maia Sandu, and Estonia's President Alar Karis. Their presence underscored international solidarity with Ukraine on its Independence Day.

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Ukraine has also increased its long-range attacks on Russian refineries and logistics infrastructure, aimed at undermining Moscow's war effort.