On Ukraine Independence Day, Zelensky: "The End of War Is Not Peace but Victory"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, stated on the 24th (local time), marking the 31st Independence Day, "What does the end of the war mean to us? Previously, we said peace, but now we answer victory."

In a recorded speech broadcast that day, President Zelensky said, "We will fight to the end against Russia's invasion." The day marks the 31st anniversary of Ukraine's independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991 and also the sixth month since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Wearing combat uniform during his speech, President Zelensky emphasized, "Our country was reborn at dawn on February 24. The reborn country did not cry. It did not scream or panic. No one fled, gave up, or forgot."

He added, "It does not matter what their army is like. We only look at our land," and said, "No matter what the path is, we will reclaim the eastern Donbas (Luhansk and Donetsk provinces) and the Crimean Peninsula."

He said, "We have stood firm for six months. It is difficult, but we clench our fists tightly and fight for our destiny," adding, "Each new day is a reason not to give up. After such a long journey, we do not have the right to stop until the end."

He also emphasized, "We will not try to understand terrorists," and said, "For us, Ukraine is Ukraine as a whole. No region will be conceded or compromised."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.