Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said yesterday that his country “will never again be forced” into compromise, as diplomatic efforts led by the United States (U.S.) continue with the goal of ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“Ukraine will never again in history be forced to endure the shame that the Russians call compromise. We need a just peace. Our future is decided only by us. And the world knows it. And the world respects it,” Zelenskyy said in a video address on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day.
Zelenskyy emphasized that both the U.S. and Europe agree that Kyiv has still not completely won, but that it certainly will not lose, while Russia claims it is achieving further military advances in the war-torn country.
“Ukraine has secured its independence. Ukraine is not a victim; it is a fighter. Ukraine does not beg, it offers,” Zelenskyy said, stressing that Kyiv will achieve a sustainable, reliable, and lasting peace because it will receive strong security guarantees.
“This is not only our goal, it is exactly what we want and what we must pass on as a legacy to our children and grandchildren, a strong Ukraine, an equal Ukraine, a European Ukraine, an independent Ukraine,” he added.
U.S. President Donald Trump has been trying to end the war between Russia and Ukraine since he began his second term in January.
The efforts gained momentum after a key summit between Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska on August 15th, and the subsequent meeting in the Oval Office between Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders.
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Kyiv on Sunday on the occasion of the celebration of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukraine’s independence.
“On this Independence Day of Ukraine, and at this crucial moment in the history of their nation, Canada is increasing our support and our efforts towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine,” Carney said in a statement published on the social platform X, based in the U.S.
In a later video message, Carney described Canada’s support for Ukraine as unwavering, stressing that it stands with Kyiv every step of the way, in their fight to defend their sovereignty and achieve their dreams for their country.
Zelenskyy and Carney later participated in a ceremony at Sofiyska Square in Kyiv, attended by numerous foreign officials, including U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg.
On that occasion, Zelenskyy awarded Kellogg the Order of Merit of Ukraine, First Class.
