President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation on Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day, emphasizing that while Ukraine wants peace, it will not simply surrender to Russian demands. Speaking from a square in front of Kyiv’s St. Michael’s monastery, Zelensky said the country will not give up the remaining parts of the eastern Donbas region that are still under Ukrainian control.
International leaders attend Kyiv celebrations
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa were among the foreign dignitaries who arrived in Kyiv for the anniversary events. Burnham co‑chaired a meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing,” a group of nations supporting Ukraine, during his first visit as prime minister.
Russia’s demands rejected
Zelensky reiterated that Russia’s repeated demand for Kyiv to cede the rest of Donbas would not end aggression. He warned that yielding to such terms would allow Russia to seize the initiative and mislead Europe and the world into thinking the conflict could be resolved by giving up the region.
Ongoing fighting and recent developments
Since Russia’s full‑scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, hundreds of thousands have been killed and large swaths of territory devastated. While Russian advances have slowed and Ukraine has reclaimed some southeastern land, fighting continues along a roughly 750‑mile frontline. Russian forces are now threatening the strategic city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk province.
Russia has also intensified air strikes on Ukrainian cities far from the front line, exploiting Ukraine’s shortage of anti‑ballistic missiles. In response, Ukraine has stepped up long‑range attacks on Russian refineries and logistics hubs to weaken Moscow’s war effort.
Zelensky calls for more support
The president appealed to allies for “everything” needed to end the war, urging additional sanctions on Russia and urging China to stop remaining silent on the conflict. He thanked the Ukrainian people and soldiers defending the nation and asked partners to bring Russia to the negotiating table.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
