Speeches

For Russia, all this must end in defeat – and only then will the very idea of a war against Ukraine be defeated. We are doing everything for this with both weapons and diplomacy.

Strikes on the Russian border areas helped protect lives. So will further decisions – the bold decisions that must be made, that we need and that we are discussing with our partners.

I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine! Glory to everyone who works for Ukraine, who fights for Ukraine. We will definitely ensure peace.

Our Prayer Breakfast is attended by representatives of different countries and different communities. But there is one thing we are all undoubtedly united in, and that is our desire to preserve the brightest side of people and our country – to withstand this terrible time of war and to ensure for Ukraine a real, tangible and, from the perspective of international security, exemplary victory of good over evil, so that other aggressors will not attack their neighbors.

Our Constitution's first article begins with the word "Ukraine." And from the first minutes of the war, millions of people proved that Ukraine really comes first for them. Everyone who thought, first and foremost, not of themselves, who understands that in times of war, a key duty comes to the fore.

I am grateful to you that during these very difficult years for all of us, for Europe, we have maintained unity and ensured that Europe is stronger. The world has seen Europe’s effectiveness – has seen our ability to find the right decision at the right time.

We need real steps – everything that can bring just and lasting peace closer to us – Ukrainians, and hence reliable stability for everyone in the world. And it must be done really fairly – not behind the scenes.

I started this day in the Donetsk region, together with our warriors, together with Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi and the new Commander of the Joint Forces, General Hnatov.

I thank everyone who believes, fights, helps and works for Ukraine to achieve such results – in protecting our people, strengthening our state, and bringing us closer to our peace. The peace that Ukrainians deserve!

Today is the day we have all worked for long and hard – the entire team of Ukraine. Today marks the official, actual, and real opening of negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the European Union.