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

Ukraine stands firm in pursuit of peace, refusing to submit to Russia's demands, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared during an impassioned address on Monday, as world leaders gathered in Kyiv to commemorate the nation's 35th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa were among the prominent dignitaries in attendance, marking the occasion and pledging their backing for Ukraine.

Burnham, who was in Kyiv for the first time as prime minister, intended to unveil British assistance to bolster Ukraine's domestic production of long-range missiles, as well as co-chair a virtual meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss the country's request for more air defense systems.

Wearing a traditional embroidered shirt, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to foreign leaders for their presence, vowing to seek a resolution to Russian President Vladimir Putin's "ballistic terror," and asserting that Ukraine desires peace but is unwilling to surrender. He emphasized that Russia's ongoing aggression would not be deterred by Kyiv ceding any more territory.

Since the Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022, hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost, and much of Ukraine has been devastated. Despite recent progress, Russian forces continue to threaten Kostiantynivka, a strategic eastern city in Donbas, as well as the Ukrainian population. Russia has intensified its attacks on cities, exploiting Ukraine's lack of anti-ballistic missiles, and Ukraine has retaliated by launching drone strikes against Russian logistics hubs.

Zelenskyy called on allies to provide Ukraine with the necessary resources to end the conflict, urging nations to impose additional sanctions on Russia and dissuade China from remaining neutral.