Ukraine, Zelensky's full speech

For me, that vow was not a formality. It was a vow. And every day I stand by every word. I will never betray them. The national interest of Ukraine must come first.

We will not make strong or emotional statements. We will continue to work with the United States and all our partners, in a calm manner. We will seek constructive solutions with our main ally.

I will discuss, I will try to convince, I will propose alternatives. But we will not give the enemy any pretext to say that Ukraine does not want peace or that it is sabotaging diplomacy. This will not happen.

Ukraine will act quickly. Today, tomorrow, throughout the week and for as long as necessary. Without ceasing, I will do everything to ensure that among all the points under discussion there are at least two that are non-negotiable: the dignity and freedom of the Ukrainian people. Because everything else - our sovereignty, our independence, our land, our people, our future - rests on these two foundations.

We must do all we can to end this war, without allowing the end of Ukraine, the end of Europe, or the collapse of global peace.

I have just spoken with our European partners. We count on ourfriends in Europe, who know perfectly well that Russia is not a distant threat: it is at the gates of the European Union. And today Ukraine is the only shield protecting the European way of life from Putin's ambitions. Let us remember that Europe has supported us. And we believe it will continue to do so.

Ukraine must not relive what we experienced on 24 February, when we felt alone. When no one could stop Russia except our heroic people, who stood in front of Putin's army like a wall.

It was touching to hear the world say: 'The Ukrainians are incredible; what a people, how they fight, how they resist; they are titans'. True. But Europe - and the world - must also understand another truth: Ukrainians are human beings. For almost four years we have been resisting against one of the largest armies in the world. We support a front thousands of kilometres long. We suffer bombardment every night, missiles, drones, ballistic attacks. Every day families lose a loved one. And our people desperately want this war to end.

We are strong. As strong as steel. But even steel has its limits.

Remember that. Stay with Ukraine. With our people. With dignity and freedom.

Dear Ukrainians,

Cast your memory back to the first day of the war. Most of us made a choice: we chose Ukraine. Remember what you heard. It was dark, noisy, heavy, painful, terrifying for many. But the enemy did not see our backs as we fled. He saw our eyes: eyes ready to defend what is ours. That is dignity. That is freedom. And that is what Russia fears most: our unity.

Back then, our unit was focused on defending our home.

Today we need it with the same urgency - for our home to have a worthy peace.

I call on all Ukrainians: citizens, people, political leaders. We must find ourselves. Focus. Stop fighting among ourselves. No more political games. The state must function. The parliament of a country at war must work together. The government must be efficient. And above all, we must not forget who the real enemy is.

I remember that first day, when different emissaries came to me with plans, lists, ultimatums. They were saying: 'It's this or nothing. Either you sign, or you will be eliminated and an 'interim president' will sign in your place'.

We know how it ended. Many of those emissaries ended up on the list of prisoners to be exchanged and returned to their homes.

I did not betray Ukraine then. I felt your support. Every man and woman in our country. Soldiers, volunteers, doctors, diplomats, journalists - the whole nation.

We did not betray then. And we will not betray now. And I know that in this very difficult moment I am not alone. Ukrainians believe in their state. We are united. And in every meeting, discussion, negotiation with partners it will be easier to fight for a just peace, because I know with absolute certainty that behind me are the Ukrainian people. Millions of people with dignity, fighting for freedom, who have earned the right to peace.

And all our fallen heroes, who gave their lives for Ukraine, look on from above. They deserve to see that their children and grandchildren will experience a peace worthy of their sacrifice. And that peace will come: dignified, effective, lasting.

Dear Ukrainians,

The coming week will be difficult, full of important events.

You are a mature, intelligent, aware nation. You have demonstrated this many times. You know that in the coming days there will be enormous pressure - political, informational, psychological - designed to weaken and divide us. The enemy does not sleep and will try everything to stop us.

Will we allow it? We cannot. And we will not. We will prevail. Because those who want to destroy us do not understand who we are, what we are made of, what we stand for. It is no coincidence that we celebrate Dignity and Freedom Day as a bank holiday. It shows who we are. It says what our values are.

We will work on the diplomatic front for peace. And we must work together, within the country, for peace. For our dignity.

For our freedom.

And I know that I am not alone. With me are our people, our society, our soldiers, our partners and allies. All our people. Dignified. Free. United.

Happy Dignity and Freedom Day.

Glory to Ukraine!

(translation made with the help of AI)