Speeches

We expect that no one will tolerate the prolongation of this war. We count on a strong stance from the United States, Europe, and the G20 countries. This war brings nothing but destabilization to global processes.

Putin is only duping leaders and drawing them into his camp. And he is staving off the threat of sanctions by doing so. Nothing else interests him. It is important that together we press Russia into ending this war.

A clear response of the world to this evil is needed. There are no deadlines that Putin would not break. There are no diplomatic opportunities that would not be ruined because of Russia. Strong steps are needed. I thank everyone who understands this. Sanctions are needed. Tariffs are needed against those who sponsor this war in one way or another.

Pressure must be applied. Russia must be forced into real steps. Russia must end the war it started and continues. There has to be an answer from them.

We are in very active communication with all our partners in the Coalition of the Willing, at multiple levels – both military and political – across Europe and the United States. The Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of the President – everyone who needs to be involved is engaged. Every day we are in contact with our partners – negotiations, meetings.

Norway is one of the leaders in supporting Ukraine, and this includes support for our defense in the war and, without a doubt, for our Ukrainian resilience. Much has already been done, and today’s meeting can also yield good results.

And I am very glad that for the fifth year in a row, despite the war, despite Russia’s attempt to take everything from us, we continue this tradition. Ukraine honors its legends – those who inspire us all, those to whom the world applauds.

I am grateful to Canada for all the support – support that is truly sincere. We also deeply value the special bond between our peoples and cultures: Canada is home to one of the largest and strongest Ukrainian communities – more than one million people.

We are building a Ukraine strong and powerful enough to live in security and peace. So that here, on this square, on our Independence Square, beneath our flags, on our land, our children and grandchildren will celebrate Independence Day. In peace. In calm. With confidence in the future.

This flag represents everything dearest to hundreds of thousands of our warriors – men and women from all over Ukraine, who are defending not just one particular direction, not just Vovchansk or Dobropillia, but all our Ukraine, and who are risking their lives to win the right to life for our entire state.