Zelensky Highlights Deep Symbolism of the Ukrainian Flag for Defenders and Temporarily Occupied Territories’ Residents
In his speech commemorating Ukraine’s State Flag Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky once again emphasized the importance of the blue and yellow banner as an integral part of Ukrainian identity and a symbol of hope for those living in temporarily occupied territories.
The head of state stated that the Ukrainian flag is more than just a symbol; it embodies resilience, salvation, and the unbreakable spirit of Ukrainians yearning to regain their homeland.
“This flag is a feeling of salvation for those we are returning from Russian captivity.
When they see the Ukrainian colors, they understand that evil has passed,” Zelensky declared.
He underlined that Ukrainian servicemen fight not only to defend a specific front but to uphold the core values of sovereignty, freedom, and independence for the entire nation.
The president stressed that the flag represents the most precious ideals — freedom, independence, and unity — and that Ukrainians will never surrender their land or their rights.
Earlier, Zelensky dismissed the possibility of Ukrainian troops withdrawing from the Donetsk region under Ukrainian control as a precondition for ceasefire negotiations.
He emphasized that Ukraine does not recognize the occupation of its territories legally.
The situation remains complex for residents in the occupied territories, who face a deadline set by Moscow—March 20—to decide their legal status: either stay and formalize their status within Russia or leave.
Ukrainian activist Vyacheslav Savchenko, co-founder of ComebackUA, called this demand coercive and akin to pressure to acquire Russian citizenship, highlighting the significant influence of Moscow’s policies on Ukrainian civilians in the occupied regions.