Ukrainian → English transcript

Men and women of Ukraine, in the life of every nation there comes a moment when everyone must speak honestly and calmly, without conjecture, rumors, gossip, or anything superfluous — as it is, the way I always try to speak with you.

Right now is one of the most difficult moments in our history. Right now the pressure on Ukraine is among the most severe. Right now Ukraine may find itself facing a very difficult choice: either a loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner. Either the difficult 28 points or an extremely harsh winter. The hardest and the ensuing risks.

A life without freedom, without dignity, without justice. And that we would believe someone who has already attacked twice. They will expect an answer from us. Although, in fact, I already gave it on May 20, 2019, when, swearing allegiance to Ukraine, I, in particular, said.

I, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, elected by the will of the people as President of Ukraine, pledge in all my actions to defend the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. To uphold the rights and freedoms of citizens, to abide by the Constitution and laws of Ukraine, to perform my duties in the interests of all compatriots, and to enhance Ukraine's standing in the world.

For me this is not a protocol formality. For Halochka it is a vow. And every day I remain faithful to each of its words. I will never betray it. Ukraine's national interest must be taken into account. We will not make loud statements. We will calmly work with the United States and all our partners. We will constructively seek solutions with our main partner.

I will present arguments, I will persuade, and I will propose alternatives, but we will certainly not give the enemy any grounds to say that Ukraine does not want peace, that it is sabotaging the process, or that Ukraine is not ready for diplomacy. That will not happen. Ukraine will act quickly.

Today — on Saturday and Sunday — all next week and for as long as necessary, around the clock, I will fight to ensure that at least two points among all the items of the plan are not left out. These are the dignity and freedom of Ukrainians, because everything else is based on them.

Our sovereignty, our independence, our land, our people, and Ukraine's future. We will, and must, do everything to ensure that the result is the end of the war and not the end of Ukraine, the end of Europe, or the end of global peace.

I just spoke with Europeans. We are counting on our European friends who clearly understand that Russia is not somewhere far away, that it is right next to the EU borders, and that Ukraine is now the only shield separating comfortable European life from Putin's plans.

We remember — Europe was with us, we believe Europe will be with us. Ukraine must not experience a déjà vu of February 24, when it felt like we were on our own, when no one could stop Russia except our brave people, who stood like a wall against Putin's army.

And we were, of course, very pleased when the world said about Ukrainians, "They're incredible — my God, what Ukrainians, how they fight, how they resist, what titans they are." And it's true, absolutely.

But both Europe and the whole world must also understand another truth: first and foremost, Ukrainians are human beings. And for almost four years since the full-scale invasion we have been holding back one of the largest armies in the world, and we have held a front line several thousand kilometers long.

Our people endure shelling, missile attacks, ballistic strikes and Shahed strikes every night. Every day our people lose someone close to them. And our people very, very much want this war to end. We are, of course, made of steel, but any metal, even the strongest, can fail.

Do not forget this. Stand with Ukraine, stand with our people. So stand with dignity and freedom.

Dear Ukrainians, remember that first day of the war. Most of us made a choice. A choice in favor of Ukraine. Remember how we felt then. What was it like?

It was dark, loud, hard, painful, and for many, terrifying. But the enemy did not see our fleeing backs; he saw our eyes, full of readiness to fight for what is ours.

This is dignity, this is freedom. And this, in fact, is the most frightening thing Russia can face — to see the dignity of Ukrainians.

Back then our dignity was directed at protecting our home from the enemy. And now dignity is needed more than ever to ensure a dignified peace in our home.

I address all Ukrainians now. Our people, citizens, politicians, everyone. We must pull ourselves together, come to our senses, stop the infighting, stop the political games.

The state must function. The parliament of a country at war must work in unity. The government of a country at war must work effectively.

And all of us, all of us together must not forget and must not confuse who exactly is the enemy of Ukraine today.

I remember that on the first day of the war various intermediaries brought me different plans, points, and ultimatums about how to end the war.

They said either like this or not at all. Either you sign it, or you will simply be eliminated. And in your place the Office of the President of Ukraine would sign it.

How did that end? It is known. Many of those intermediaries became part of the exchange pool and were sent home with their proposals and terms.

I did not betray Ukraine then. I truly felt behind my shoulders the support of everyone — each and every one of you, every Ukrainian man, every Ukrainian woman, every soldier, every volunteer, every medic, every diplomat, every journalist, all, all of our people.

We did not betray Ukraine then, and we will not do so now. And I know for certain that this is indeed one of the most difficult moments in our history. I am not alone.

I believe that Ukrainians believe in their state, that we are united, and that in every format of future meetings, discussions, and negotiations with partners it will be much easier for me to secure a dignified peace for us and to convince them 100%, knowing that the people of Ukraine stand behind me.

Millions of our people who have dignity, who are fighting for freedom, and who have earned peace. All our fallen heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine, who are now in heaven and who have earned the right to see that their children and grandchildren will live in a dignified peace. And this peace will be dignified, effective, and long-lasting.

Dear Ukrainians, the coming week will be very difficult and eventful. You are a mature, intelligent, and conscious people who have proven this more than once and who understand that at this time there will be a great deal of pressure — political pressure, informational pressure, various other kinds — to weaken us, to sow discord among us.

The enemy does not sleep and will do everything to make sure nothing succeeds for us. Will we let them do that? We have no right to. And we will succeed.

Because those who seek to destroy us know us poorly and do not understand who we really are, what we are about, what we stand for, or what kind of people we are. It is no accident that we mark the Day of Dignity and Freedom as a state holiday. That shows who we are and what our values are.

We will work in the diplomatic arena for our peace. We must work together within Ukraine for our peace, for our dignity, for our freedom. And I believe, and I know that I am not alone — with me are our people, society, our soldiers, partners, allies. All our people are dignified, free, and united.

Happy Day of Dignity and Freedom! Glory to Ukraine!