Zelenskyy Vows to Hold Line, Urges Allies to Arm Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked the nation's Independence Day with a defiant address, vowing to continue resisting Russian forces and calling on the international community to bolster Kyiv's defenses. In his remarks, he dismissed any suggestion that ceding territory could bring a swift end to the conflict, asserting that Ukraine would not surrender its land.

Zelenskyy directly challenged Moscow's military ambitions, stating that Russia's repeated predictions of capturing the Donetsk region would continue to prove false. He emphasized that Ukraine would not make it easy for the Kremlin, vowing to strengthen its military and equip its soldiers to repel the enemy's advances.

In a pointed rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelenskyy suggested that Moscow's leadership had miscalculated Ukraine's resolve. He claimed that Russia's aggression had resulted in significant losses, including damage to its oil infrastructure and naval capabilities, while failing to break the Ukrainian spirit. He urged unity among Ukraine, Europe, and the United States to push until Russia concedes.

The president also expressed hope that the United States now fully understands Russia's intentions, believing that Washington will abandon any remaining illusions about Moscow's desire for peace. He called for stronger sanctions and for Ukraine to receive all necessary military support to force an end to the war.

Addressing the global community, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is not asking for foreign troops but for the means to defend itself. He appealed to Europe to act with unity and ambition, and he called on China to take a more active role in condemning nuclear threats, arguing that no dictator should be allowed to endanger the planet.