Zelenskyy on Ukrainian Statehood Day: Ukraine won't succumb to evil shedding blood for sick self-assertion
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has addressed the nation on the occasion of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood.
He recalled that Putin hit the Okhmatdyt children's hospital by a Kh-101 missile on July 8.
"The world saw thousands of photos and videos. Of what happened. And how Ukrainians united. They saw how Ukraine is being targeted for destruction. And how, despite everything, Ukraine withstands the attacks," the head of state said in his speech.
"This is the Ukraine that has been preserving itself through the centuries – no matter what happens. And no matter what invaders come to our land, Ukraine always finds the strength not only to endure but also to preserve within itself what separates us from evil. We are fighting against a terrible enemy. One that cannot be called human. And one that is infinitely far from true Christianity," Zelenskyy said.
However, "Ukraine cannot agree to anything less than to live. Anything less than to preserve itself."
"Ukraine will not succumb to the evil that sheds blood for its own sick self-assertion. That despises truth, both human and divine, and devalues everyone except itself. Russia builds its statehood precisely on this. But we are different," the President said.
Zelenskyy thanked everyone who came to Okhmatdyt after the strike to help people and everyone who rescues people after each similar crime by Russia, as well as everyone who did not stay silent and who seeks solutions to support defense of life in Ukraine.
"Today, on the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, on the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine, we remember the path that Ukraine has overcome, and we are fully focused on the battle that Ukraine must win. This battle is for our independence. So that this independence can be inherited by future generations. Inherited, not fought for. So that we can give them pride in Ukraine, not its pain. And so that no more 'Putins' dare to bring ruins and suffering here," he said.
The President emphasized that "we are already separated from this enemy by our spirit. And we must do everything to ensure that our national border with them becomes a true boundary between our world, which is inseparable from the global world, and those who seek to destroy us."
"We must defeat this evil, and Ukraine will do it. There will always be Ukraine here. Our history. Our people. Our state. Congratulations on the Day of Ukrainian Statehood! And I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine!" he said.