Beginning his speech on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of the Independence Day of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that the achieved agreement on the introduction of a full and comprehensive ceasefire regime in Donbas would transform into a full-fledged establishment of peace.
Before the President's speech, the National Anthem of Ukraine was played and 10 festive volleys were heard. A ceremonial group of warriors of the honor guard company hoisted the National Flag of Ukraine.
“Today, on the 29th day of truce, on the 29th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, we all ask God for only one thing - let the days of silence become months. Months - years. Years - centuries, and then millennia. Peace, harmony and prosperity for the Ukrainian land,” the Head of State said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy recalled that a year ago, during his first speech as President at the Independence Day festivities, he talked about how every morning started with a text message from the General Staff of Ukraine about the number of wounded and dead over the past day on the frontline.
“The numbers may be different, but only one message makes the morning good. Zero wounded. Zero dead,” the Head of State said.
“Today is the 29th day in a row when the morning is really good for me and the whole of Ukraine. Yes, we face many new challenges. But today is 29 days with no combat losses in the east of Ukraine,” the President emphasized, reminding that the 29th day had passed since the last ceasefire agreement had entered into force.
The Head of State added: “29 days during which Ukrainian cities and villages have not buried their heroes. 29 days during which moms haven’t cried. 29 days during which wives and children hear on the phone: “I kiss you, my love. I'll be home soon".
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that during his last working trip to eastern Ukraine, he talked to local residents and asked if they knew about the ceasefire agreement.
The President noted: “I asked the locals if they had heard the news that we had agreed on "silence". They replied: "We do not hear the news. We hear silence".
