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

Kyiv - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a defiant speech on Monday, celebrating his nation's Independence Day, while reaffirming the country's commitment to peace. The gathering included foreign leaders such as British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa. The 35th anniversary of Ukraine's separation from the Soviet Union was commemorated by the dignitaries.

Burnham, making his inaugural visit to the Ukrainian capital as prime minister, was set to announce British backing to aid Kyiv in enhancing its production of long-range missiles. Burnham was also scheduled to co-chair a virtual meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" - a group of nations supporting Ukraine - with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The leaders were anticipated to discuss Ukraine's plea for additional air defense systems to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Wearing a traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt, Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to several foreign leaders for attending the event and showing their support for Ukraine.