Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a powerful address upon his arrival in the United States, setting a defiant tone against Russian aggression. He stressed that peace for Ukraine cannot be “fragile or temporary,” underscoring that past concessions—such as the loss of Crimea and parts of Donbas—only emboldened Moscow and fueled further war. “They became new footholds for aggression,” he warned, vowing that Ukrainians have learned from these painful lessons.
Zelensky declared that Ukraine will never give up its major cities—Kyiv, Odesa, or Kharkiv—because they are essential symbols of sovereignty and national identity. He highlighted Ukraine’s recent military advances in the Donetsk and Sumy regions, framing them as proof of the country’s resilience and capability to push back. His message carried a sense of urgency and pride, blending gratitude for international support with a firm rejection of compromise at the expense of Ukrainian territory.
The president expressed deep appreciation for U.S. President Donald Trump, the American people, and allied nations that continue to provide military, financial, and diplomatic support. He emphasized that global unity is vital to forcing Moscow into ending the war it started. Zelensky concluded with a clear demand: Russia must withdraw, and only a just and lasting peace will be accepted.
