Zelensky at Maidan: Ukraine Believes in Its Resilience and Seeks Peace for Its Land
On the special day marking the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed Ukrainians from the most symbolic site of freedom and dignity — Independence Square in Kyiv.
In his emotionally charged speech, he emphasized that here, in the heart of the capital, the true meaning of independence is most vividly felt — its profound significance and importance for every Ukrainian.
Stepping onto the stage, he pointed out that Maidan is more than just the main square of the country; it is a symbol of independence, its protector and guardian, a place where history is created, energy is born, and the strength of the Ukrainian people is demonstrated, especially in difficult times when the nation faces threats.
He highlighted that even during wartime, the symbols of Maidan have acquired new, even greater significance, inspiring resilience and patriotism throughout the country.
Zelensky expressed confidence that one day, all divisions and distance will vanish, and Ukrainians will reunite as one family, one nation.
He assured that Ukraine is capable of achieving peace and ending the war on its territory because the country has a strong character, unwavering perseverance, and a firm belief in its future.
“Ukraine is a land of strong people who have not broken under the harshest trials.
It is a place of resilience, where everyone holds a shield in the fight for their land, culture, and the millennia-old history that our founders of Kyiv attest to.
We defend our future, for which our heroes laid down their lives,” the president stressed.
He added that the heroes — their names etched into history — remain the pillars of independence, and it is often at Maidan that Ukrainians say goodbye to those who sacrificed everything for freedom.
Each person who has visited this memorial and remembrance event holds a personal debt to our defenders and will never forget their names.
The war for Ukraine’s independence has lasted 1278 days, testing the nation’s unity and strength.
Every day, Ukrainians hear words from the enemy claiming that Ukraine and its people do not exist, that their land has no place for the Ukrainian state.
Yet each day, Ukraine proves the opposite.
It proves that Ukrainians have their own history, culture, and right to self-determination.
Future generations will celebrate this day, recapturing the spirit of independence, victory, and the memory of heroes.
Ukraine has become stronger and more confident in its uniqueness.
Its ability to defend its values and interests has become even more evident.
Zelensky emphasized that while Ukraine needs support from its partners to win, it also needs to stand on its own feet — to forge its own destiny with its own will.
He concluded by stating that Ukraine is building its strength and capacity to live peacefully and securely so that future generations can celebrate Independence Day under their flags, in prosperity, and with confidence in tomorrow.
We believe that through trials and internal resilience, Ukraine will not only remain but also grow stronger, capable of defending its independence and sovereignty.
This is our goal and conviction, and Ukrainians are ready to fight and work every day for it.