**Title: Zelenskiy Emphasizes Ukraine's Resolve for Peace on Independence Day**
On August 24, Ukraine marked the 35th anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union with a resolute message from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. In a speech delivered in Kyiv, Zelenskiy asserted that while Ukraine desires peace, it will not capitulate to Russian demands at any cost.
The Independence Day celebrations were attended by several foreign dignitaries, including British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa. Their presence underscored international support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. Burnham, in particular, was set to co-chair a meeting of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ later that day, marking his first visit to the Ukrainian capital as prime minister.
In a video shared on Telegram, Zelenskiy, dressed in a traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt, spoke from a location near the golden-domed St. Michael’s monastery, where burned-out Russian tanks were on display. He emphasized that Ukraine would not surrender territory in the eastern Donbas region, which has been a focal point of the conflict since Russia's full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. Zelenskiy firmly rejected Russia's ongoing demands for Ukraine to cede parts of Donbas, stating, “We will not let them seize the initiative, deceive Europe and the entire world into thinking that we simply need to give up Donbas and everything will be over soon.”
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and devastation across Ukraine, with hundreds of thousands of lives lost and vast areas of land affected. As fighting continues along a 750-mile (1,200-km) frontline, U.S.-led peace negotiations have stalled, primarily due to Ukraine's refusal to concede additional territory to Russia.
Despite the challenges, Zelenskiy highlighted that Russia's military advances have slowed this year, and Ukrainian forces have successfully reclaimed some territory in the southeast. However, the situation remains precarious, particularly with Russian forces threatening the strategic eastern city of Kostiantynivka, located in the Donetsk region, which is part of Donbas alongside Luhansk.
In response to Ukraine's critical shortage of anti-ballistic missiles, Russia has intensified its airstrike campaigns, targeting cities far from the frontline. In retaliation, Ukraine has ramped up its long-range attacks on Russian refineries and logistical infrastructure, aiming to disrupt Moscow's military operations.
During his speech, Zelenskiy paid tribute to the Ukrainian people and the soldiers defending the nation. He called on international allies to provide Ukraine with the necessary resources to halt the war and urged them to impose further sanctions on Russia. He expressed hope that the United States would overcome its reservations regarding Russia and join in a unified effort to bring about negotiations.
The Independence Day celebrations were also attended by other notable figures, including Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Moldova’s President Maia Sandu, and Estonia’s President Alar Karis. Their attendance was a testament to the solidarity and support Ukraine continues to receive from the international community.
As Ukraine navigates the complexities of its ongoing conflict with Russia, President Zelenskiy's message on Independence Day reinforced the nation's commitment to sovereignty and peace, while also calling for enhanced international cooperation to address the challenges ahead.