Ukraine marks Independence Day in Kyiv while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterates that Ukraine wants peace but will not “give in” or surrender territory to end Russia’s aggression. In remarks tied to the anniversary of Ukraine’s break from the Soviet Union, Zelenskyy frames the call for peace alongside a firm rejection of conditions he says would amount to capitulation.
Several outlets report that foreign leaders and dignitaries attend Independence Day events in Kyiv, including Britain’s Prime Minister Andy Burnham and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa. Coverage also links Burnham’s visit to planned diplomatic activity during the day, including co-chairing a meeting connected to countries backing Ukraine, described as the “Coalition of the Willing.”
The accounts converge on Zelenskyy’s message that Russia’s demands—particularly calls for Kyiv to cede remaining Ukrainian-held territory in eastern Donbas—would not end the war on terms Ukraine can accept. While sources differ slightly in wording and the amount of detail about specific event programming, all emphasize Zelenskyy’s stance on peace paired with continued resistance to surrender at any price.
