Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a sharp, defiant message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the eve of Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence — a day marked by high-profile visits from European leaders to Kyiv as part of the ‘Alliance of the Willing’ initiative.
‘You Thought We Were Tired. We Know You Are Mortal.’
In a speech that blended moral clarity with biting rhetoric, Zelenskyy addressed Putin directly: ‘Putin hoped we were exhausted… We know he is mortal.’ He reaffirmed Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to peace — but made clear it would never come at the cost of sovereignty or territorial integrity.
‘You never understood us — and now you won’t have time to,’ Zelenskyy said. ‘You wanted all of Ukraine. All our land.’ Instead, he asserted, Russia had lost critical infrastructure and human capital: its oil refineries, naval fleet, state revenues — and an entire generation conscripted into what he called ‘a meat grinder.’
‘You wanted us erased from the map. Now, you are vanishing from the international agenda of future civilization,’ he added, underscoring the geopolitical and cultural isolation facing Moscow.
A Cutting Contrast: Grandeur vs. Reality
Zelenskyy contrasted Russia’s self-proclaimed imperial ambitions with its domestic realities: ‘For 27 years, Russia’s leader has spoken of greatness — while Russians stand in gasoline lines.’ The remark highlighted stark economic and logistical strains within Russia amid the ongoing war.
Escalating Pressure on Russian Territory
The Ukrainian president also referenced Kyiv’s expanding military reach. ‘Our maritime drones are operational. The enemy once had a navy — now it’s scrap metal. But we must sink them further,’ he stated.
He noted that Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities are increasingly degrading Russian revenue streams and cited repeated attacks already felt in cities deep inside Russia — including Moscow, Tula, Ryazan, Olenya, and Omsk. ‘Dozens of other locations have already felt Ukrainian justice,’ he said, adding, ‘Russia must feel more of this justice.’
European Solidarity in Kyiv
Among those arriving in Kyiv for the independence commemorations were Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa, UK Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham (representing British leadership), Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Moldovan President Maia Sandu, and Estonian President Alar Karis — all welcomed at Kyiv’s central railway station by Ukrainian officials.
Simultaneously, the European Commission approved an additional €6.1 billion in military aid for Ukraine — earmarked for air defense systems, missiles, ammunition, and radar technology. This new package builds on the €16 billion in support already committed by the EU since the full-scale invasion began.