Zelenskyy: Russia will not succeed in dividing Europe

On Europe Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent a strong message from Kyiv, asserting that Russia's efforts to divide and fracture the continent will ultimately fail. Addressing European Council President António Costa, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the recognition of Ukraine's struggle on this significant day. He emphasized Ukraine's unwavering resolve to defend its independence and the right of its people to freely choose their own path, a fight he framed as integral to defending the self-determination of all European peoples.

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Rusia no logrará dividir ni fracturar a Europa: ha habido muchos intentos, pero todos han fracasado. Y ninguno tendrá éxito

Zelenskyy highlighted his discussions with Costa regarding the ongoing work towards Ukraine's full membership in the European Union, signaling readiness for the opening of new accession clusters and further integration steps. This diplomatic engagement underscores Ukraine's persistent aspiration to solidify its place within the European bloc, a goal that remains central to its national identity and future outlook, especially amidst the ongoing conflict.

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Defenderemos nuestra independencia y el derecho de nuestro pueblo a elegir libremente su camino. Y al hacerlo, también defenderemos el derecho de todos los pueblos europeos a vivir como ellos mismos deseen.

The Ukrainian president also touched upon recent diplomatic maneuvers, including a prisoner exchange agreement with Russia mediated by the United States, involving approximately 1,000 individuals on each side. This detail, while presented factually, carries significant weight in the context of the war, representing a rare point of direct negotiation and exchange between the warring parties.

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Hablamos con António sobre nuestro trabajo conjunto en pro de una mayor integración europea de Ucrania: Ucrania ocupará su lugar como miembro de pleno derecho de la Unión Europea. Nos estamos preparando para la apertura de clústeres y para nuevas decisiones

Zelenskyy's message resonated particularly on a day when Russia itself leveled accusations against Ukraine, claiming violations of a three-day truce agreed upon with U.S. mediation for Victory Day. These accusations, involving alleged attacks on Russian territory and the annexed Crimean peninsula, paint a stark picture of the ongoing tensions and the deep mistrust that persists, even as Ukraine reaffirms its European aspirations and its commitment to resisting Russian aggression.

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¡Agradezco a Europa su apoyo a Ucrania!