Zelenskyy's Call for U.S. Support on Invasion Anniversary

On the fourth anniversary of Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a poignant video address, appealing to former U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Kyiv. In his speech, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine would not betray its people in negotiations with Russia, asserting, “He [Putin] has not won this war.” He highlighted the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their determination to achieve peace and justice. The address included previously unreleased footage from the underground bunker in Kyiv where Zelenskyy and his advisers operated during the initial hours of the invasion.

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Zelenskyy recounted a significant moment from the early days of the war when U.S. President Joe Biden offered him an urgent evacuation. He famously responded, “I need ammunition, not a ride.” The video also featured Zelenskyy paying tribute to fallen Ukrainian servicemen and women at a memorial in Maidan Square. He expressed a desire for Trump to visit Ukraine, stating that such a trip would help him understand the true nature of the conflict and recognize Russia as the aggressor.

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Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's commitment to peace, stating, “We want peace. Strong, dignified, lasting peace.” He rejected Kremlin demands for territorial concessions in the eastern Donbas region, emphasizing the importance of not devaluing the sacrifices made by Ukrainians over the past four years. His remarks came amid ongoing peace talks brokered by the U.S., where Trump has been perceived as siding with Putin.

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During the address, Zelenskyy criticized the International Olympic Committee for its treatment of Ukrainian athletes and highlighted Ukraine's international achievements, including gaining EU candidate status and winning prestigious awards like the Eurovision song contest.

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The Ukrainian government has faced criticism from some U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance, who accused Kyiv of conducting “propaganda tours” for visiting dignitaries. This claim has been denied by Ukrainian officials. Zelenskyy's firm stance against territorial concessions reflects a broader sentiment among Ukrainian leaders that any compromise would undermine their national struggle and dignity.

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Zelenskyy’s address was met with support from various European leaders, including British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who visited Kyiv shortly after his speech. He emphasized the need for continued international solidarity against Russian aggression.

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• “He has not won this war,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

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• “Here I replied that I need ammunition, not a ride,” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, recalling a conversation with Joe Biden

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• “Do not nullify all these years, do not devalue all the struggle, courage, dignity, everything that Ukraine has gone through. We cannot, we must not, give it away, forget it, betray it.” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Ukraine's territorial integrity

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• “From all such steps, achievements and small victories, the great Ukraine is formed.” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, celebrating Ukraine's international successes

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While Zelenskyy firmly rejects any territorial concessions, there are conflicting reports regarding the extent of U.S. support for Ukraine's position in negotiations with Russia. Some sources suggest that U.S. envoys have endorsed compromises that Ukraine finds unacceptable. This discrepancy highlights the complexities of international diplomacy surrounding the conflict.

The Guardian