Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy marked the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union on Monday with a defiant message, stating that the country seeks peace but will not yield to Russian demands.
Speaking in front of Kyiv’s gold-domed St. Michael’s Monastery, Zelenskiy emphasized Ukraine’s resolve in a video address posted on Telegram. "Ukraine absolutely wants peace, but is not ready to simply surrender," he said. "Ukraine is different and does not give up what is its own." Zelenskiy wore a traditional embroidered Ukrainian shirt during the appearance, underscoring the cultural significance of the occasion.
The remarks come as active combat persists along a 1,200-kilometer frontline, now in its fourth and a half year since Russia’s full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. Ukrainian officials have reported hundreds of thousands of casualties and widespread devastation across the country.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, on his first visit to Kyiv as premier, announced London’s support to help Ukraine expand domestic production of long-range missiles. Burnham, alongside European leaders Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, is scheduled to co-chair a virtual meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" later on Monday to address requests for additional air defense systems to counter Russian ballistic missile threats.
Zelenskiy also urged Ukrainian arms manufacturer Fire Point to accelerate production of its Flamingo cruise missile, aiming to intensify strikes against Russian positions during the winter campaign. The call reflects Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to bolster its defense industrial base amid sustained pressure on multiple fronts.
