Zelenskyy: Ukraine won’t compromise with Russia, future belongs to Ukrainians

Ukraine seeks a fair peace and will not make compromises with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday during remarks marking the country’s Independence Day.

He stressed that only Ukrainians can decide the country’s future.

“Ukraine is strong and respects itself. We no longer wait for gestures of goodwill; we take our destiny into our own hands. We need just peace, and only we can decide what our future will be”, Zelenskyy said during his speech in central Kyiv.

He reflected on the resilience of Ukraine amid the ongoing full-scale Russian invasion, highlighting the symbolic importance of Maidan as a center of independence and national determination. Zelenskyy noted that despite temporary occupations, Ukrainians remain united, and the country will achieve peace across its territory.

Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day on August 24.