Zelenskyy on Ukraine's 35th Independence Day: 'Our stubbornness is beyond their caliber'
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, while addressing the Ukrainian people on Independence Day, that thirty-five years ago, Ukraine was reborn, restored its independence, and proved to both friends and enemies that it would fight to defend it, no matter how difficult the struggle became.
“Today is Ukraine’s Independence Day. The 35th anniversary. A national holiday whose meaning has been profoundly changed by the war. One thousand six hundred and forty-three days of full-scale war. Right now, things are genuinely very, very difficult for all of us, but we are firmly held together by a force that is not invisible at all. It is the force of our shared circle — supporting one another, having no doubts about those beside us, and believing in all Ukrainians. And as long as the enemy does not break this circle, Ukraine will not fall. It will achieve peace, and it will prevail,” Zelenskyy said.
The president said Russian dictator Vladimir Putin had made one fundamental mistake in all of his plans for Ukraine.
Russia calculated Ukraine’s resources, reserves and military equipment, but failed to account for the most important factor — its people, who are the greatest value of an independent Ukraine. The country is made up of people who take responsibility, do not want to see Russia here and fight for peace and independence every day.
“‘Russians’ considered us a younger brother, but life has shown that we are strangers to them. Everything about our character, everything that makes Ukrainians Ukrainian, is alien to them. They do not understand what it means when hundreds of thousands of volunteers go to defend their homeland. And someone who used to be a teacher, entrepreneur or farmer becomes a soldier,” the president said.
Zelenskyy stressed that during a major war, there are no small contributions, and every achievement by Ukrainians can trigger thousands of chain reactions across the country.
“I thank everyone who has worked over these four years and continues to work at production facilities and build up our defense industry. This is our pride. But it does not blind us. We see what Putin is doing and what he wants. A solution to his ballistic terror must be found, and this strategy of his must not succeed. Ukraine will do it. Ukraine has already solved tasks that initially seemed impossible,” Zelenskyy said.
Thirty-five years ago, Ukraine restored its independence!
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 24, 2026
Happy holiday, great people of a great country!
Happy Independence Day of Ukraine!
Glory to Ukraine!
pic.twitter.com/krxKimsUjM
Against this backdrop, the president noted that Ukrainian air defenses are destroying more than 90% of Shahed drones. Russia has switched to jet-powered drones, but Ukraine has also learned how to intercept them.
“The same must happen with the Bandеrol drones, and the same must happen with their ballistic missiles. Ukraine is doing everything to make that happen. And it will. Because we have already proved it many times: our stubbornness is beyond their caliber,” Zelenskyy said.
The president said he fully understands that everyone wants to live not through “historic” times, but through quiet, peaceful and safe ones. In his view, those times will inevitably come.
“That is what we stand for. With faith in one another, in our Defense Forces and in our state.
Take care of yourselves and those around you. Preserve the memory of all the heroes who gave their lives so that Ukraine could live. Protect your state. Protect your independent Ukraine!” Zelenskyy urged.
On August 24, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Ukraine on Independence Day and reaffirmed US support.
The SBU recently also issued an important warning to Ukrainians regarding potential threats and provocations around August 24.
