Zelenskiy says Ukraine wants peace but will not surrender on Independence Day
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President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday that Ukraine wants peace but will not give in to Russia at any price, speaking on the 35th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa arrived in Kyiv for the celebrations. Burnham was scheduled to co-chair a meeting of the 'Coalition of the Willing' later on Monday.
Key Facts
- Ukraine marks 35 years of independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 2026.
- Zelenskiy said Russia's demand to cede the remaining part of Donbas would not stop Russian aggression.
- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa arrived in Kyiv for Independence Day events.
- Burnham was scheduled to co-chair a meeting of the 'Coalition of the Willing' later on Monday.
- Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed since Russia's full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022.
Independence Day Address
Zelenskiy delivered a defiant speech in front of St Michael's monastery in Kyiv, where burned-out Russian tanks are displayed. He said Ukraine 'absolutely wants peace, but it's not ready to simply surrender.' The president rejected Russia's demand to cede the remaining part of Donbas, saying it would not be enough to stop Russian aggression. Zelenskiy called on allies to give Ukraine 'everything' needed to stop the war.
Battlefield Situation
Russia's advances have slowed this year and Ukraine has recaptured some land in the southeast. Moscow's forces are threatening the strategic eastern city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region. Russia has stepped up air strikes on cities far from the front line, exploiting Ukraine's shortage of anti-ballistic missiles. Ukraine has increased long-range attacks on Russian refineries and logistics infrastructure.
International Diplomacy
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa arrived in Kyiv for the 35th anniversary events. Burnham was scheduled to co-chair a meeting of the 'Coalition of the Willing' later on Monday during his first visit as prime minister. U.S.-led peace talks stalled earlier this year as Ukraine refused Russia's demands to cede more territory. Fighting continues along a 750-mile (1,200-km) frontline.
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Zelenskiy says Ukraine wants peace but will not surrender on Independence Day
