This text has been automatically translated, it may contain errors or inaccuracies.
WAR IN UKRAINE
Favorite
Remove from my list

Ukraine declares a safe and just peace in its Independence Day message

Zelenski has applauded the "second best army in the world," and has also been congratulated by the EU and Trump.
ukraina hildakoak efe
Tribute to the soldiers killed in Ukraine. Photo: EFE

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated his compatriots on Independence Day this Sunday and, with a moving message, rejected the combative messages of previous years, proclaimed his desire for a just, secure and lasting peace.



In a video recorded in the Maidan in Kiev, Zelenski has highlighted the unity of all Ukrainians, as he cannot change "temporary occupation" .

"Someday the distance between the Ukrainians will disappear and we will be together again as a country and as a family. The matterof time is only , "the president promised.

Zelensky has warned that Ukraine is in a position to strike back Russia's attacks and damage its strategic infrastructure if Moscow does not accept a ceasefire. "No one can forbid us these attacks because they are fair," he said.

But, suggesting that it is further and further away from victory, it has prioritised the path to secure peace, because Ukraine has already shown that it has been able to stand up for "the world's second-best army" and has successfully defended its independence.

The President has stressed that he will not make a shameful decision to achieve peace, as Kiev seeks a dignified and comprehensive agreement that guarantees security.

On the other hand, European CommissionPresident Ursula von der Leyen  and European Council President Antonio Costa have congratulated the Ukrainians and expressed their hope for a 'free, democratic and independent' Ukraine and their desire to join the European Union (EU).

Donald Trump has joined the messages of happiness and expressed his desire to end the "senseless massacre" of the war against Russia.

You might like

Paris (FRA), 17/04/2026.- (L-R) Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France's President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz give a joint statement after an international summit to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, France, 17 April 2026. (Francia, Reino Unido) EFE/EPA/MICHEL EULER / POOL MAXPPP OUT
18:00 - 20:00
LIVE
From  min.

The EU says the opening of Ormuz is good news but insists that travel must be free

"The imposition of tolls for transit would set a dangerous precedent," said the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. On the other hand, in the context of the crisis and convened by France and the United Kingdom, 50 countries and international organizations have met in Paris. They have announced the launch of a "neutral" maritime mission to "assist and protect" ships passing through the Persian Gulf.

Load more