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

Kyiv — Ukraine remains steadfast in its pursuit of peace, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared during a resolute address on Monday, as world leaders convened in the capital to commemorate the nation's 35th Independence Day since breaking free from Soviet rule. Distinguished guests, including British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa, joined the festivities to honor Ukraine's hard-fought sovereignty.

Burnham, making his inaugural visit to Ukraine in his capacity as prime minister, aimed to unveil British assistance aimed at bolstering Kyiv's domestic production of long-range missiles. Additionally, the leaders were slated to convene a virtual summit of the "Coalition of the Willing" alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

This gathering aimed to deliberate on Ukraine's plea for enhanced air defense mechanisms to counter Russian ballistic missile assaults targeting Ukrainian urban centers.

Clad in a customary Ukrainian embroidered garment, Zelenskyy extended his gratitude to numerous foreign dignitaries for their attendance in Kyiv, demonstrating solidarity with his country.