On the Day of Unity of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former British Prime Minister and Member of the British Parliament Boris Johnson met with students and lecturers of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
The meeting was attended by students from all regions of Ukraine, as well as representatives of the Military Institute of the Kyiv National University.
Answering the questions of the youth, the Head of State expressed confidence that Ukraine would definitely win this war.
"We have already won, because we have united. We have a great nation, a great people... In addition, it is important to carry out the physical de-occupation of our territories. Then it will be not only a theoretical or philosophical victory - it will be a reality," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
According to him, victory can be gained in 2023 already. But to do so, Ukrainians need to remain united and strong.
"The speed (of ending the war - ed.) depends on several things: strength inside Ukraine and strength from the outside - the help of partners. And we must not allow the processes to slow down either outside or inside, as it will prolong the war," the Head of State emphasized.
The President also rejected any claims that Ukraine's victory was optional or that a partial victory of our state was acceptable.
"We will not forget anything, we will not forgive anything, we will definitely regain everything. We will do all this as a powerful civilized state. A future member-state of the European Union. A future independent state that our partners in NATO will see in their circle," he said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the Peace Formula initiated by Ukraine provided for the end of the war in a fair manner.
“The Peace Formula is a powerful diplomatic weapon. All its points are fair and honest with regard to any state, with respect for the UN Charter, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.
For this Peace Formula to bring results, it is important to unite Ukraine's friends and partners around its implementation - to enlist the support of both the United States and all European leaders, the President noted.
"We, your friends, will help you end this war as soon as possible in 2023. Because it will be the best thing for the world - so that people don't die, and it will be the best thing for Ukraine and, frankly speaking, for the Russian people, too. Let's end this finally," Boris Johnson emphasized.
According to him, to end the war, first of all it is necessary to provide Ukraine with all the necessary weapons as soon as possible.
"This means we must provide tanks. I'm proud that we are the first country to send Challenger tanks, and we expect tanks from other countries. We want to get aircraft for the people of Ukraine, and we need better equipment, weapons of all kinds that will enable you to defend your country," the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom said.
He also emphasized that the availability of modern weapons in the Ukrainian army will not lead to an escalation, as Russia is using all available means on Ukrainian territory already.
"I was in Bucha. How can we escalate the confrontation, where one side is already using the most advanced modern aircraft to bomb residential areas? Ukraine deserves all the help possible," the British MP emphasized.
The President of Ukraine noted that the most important resource of the Ukrainian army is its personnel, which must be taken care of.
"People are not just important, they are the most important," he said.
Answering the question about the reinforcement of the Ukrainian army, the Head of State informed that the military leadership had received a task to create reserves so that the defenders could have a rest after the hostilities.
"Because it is difficult for various reasons - both injuries and psychological state. It must be normal," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The President noted that he could not disclose the details of the mobilization processes, but the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief had made the relevant decisions, and the commanders were working on their implementation in their respective areas.
As for the students, Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that young people who study can help convey the truth to the world about what is happening in Ukraine and promote the Ukrainian Peace Formula.
"You are good at social networks, gadgets, and can transmit this information faster than other people," the Head of State noted.
Answering the question about his vision of Ukrainian higher education in the postwar period, Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his belief that education in Ukraine should be competitive.
"I think the most important thing is when any state wants such a student, wants such a specialist. Enough knowledge to be free. This is very important: not to look for a job, but to be free, so that business or government institutions search for you," he said.
The President also emphasized that education should be relevant and meet modern needs without losing educational standards and achievements.
In this context, he noted that it was the war that demonstrated to Ukraine which areas required modernization. For example, missile attacks and enemy drone strikes have pointed to the need to protect and reformat power grids, cyberattacks have highlighted the importance of protecting financial institutions, and blackouts have highlighted the need to develop and implement technologies that would work even in total blackout.
"This is what I mean when I say that education should be competitive and modern. Modern professions. We must understand that we will not be able to live the way we did. And we must build a state that will be a model of security. And I think we have every chance to do this," the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again thanked Boris Johnson for everything he had done to support Ukraine and strengthen our defense capabilities.
