Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed his nation on Sunday, calling Ukrainians “the bravest people in the best country in the world.”
In his speech, delivered regularly during Russia’s attack on the country, Zelensky said: “We are approaching the end of another week. Our struggle for freedom, for the state. Another week in which Ukraine survived, despite all the efforts of Russia to destroy us. We We fight. We defend. We repel attacks.”
Zelensky said the nation was doing everything in its power to win the war and accused the Russian leadership of “lying” in an effort to shift blame from them.
He continued, “When cowardice grows, everything turns into a disaster. When people don’t have the courage to recognize their mistakes and apologize, come to terms with reality, and see that they are turning into monsters.”
Ukraine’s president said Russia had lost touch with reality, acting as aggressors but blaming Ukraine for actions by Russian forces, including the Bucha killing, the missile strike on the train station in Kramatorsk, and “every destroyed city and village burned.”
They ruined the lives of millions. They started a full-scale war and acted as if we were to blame,” Zelensky continued.
He added that Russia, fearing defeat, would launch more large-scale hostilities in eastern Ukraine.
“But we are ready,” the president said, promising that Ukraine would ensure it has enough weapons and demand tougher sanctions against Russia until justice is served.
Moments before his speech, Zelensky said he was honoring “18 defenders of Ukraine” — including members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Special Communications Service and police officers — for their heroism. He also thanked the journalists who shared the reality of what is happening in the country.
“The truth will win and Ukraine will win. That’s for sure. Glory to Ukraine,” Zelensky said.
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