Speeches

President Karis was here in Kyiv two days, exactly two days, before Russia’s full-scale invasion. Throughout the war, we have met with the President many times and reached agreements – always. I am grateful to Estonia for the level of cooperation we have achieved and for its unwavering principled stance in assessing Russian aggression and in our joint European efforts in defense. 

Right now, it is the resilience of Ukraine, the resilience of Ukrainians – our people – that carries the unique experience and the most relevant context. This resilience has endurance – serious endurance. Twelve years of Russia’s latest attempts to break Ukrainians. 1,643 days of full-scale war.

So let us make this meeting truly productive – with real contributions to our security and decisions that make us stronger. We need it.

hirty-five years since the Act of Declaration of Independence of our state, independence of Ukraine was adopted. Before that, many did not believe that Ukraine would become independent. At the time, the world’s most capable intelligence services did not give their presidents, their leaders, a confident assessment that Ukraine would truly become independent. But Ukrainians restored the independence of their country.

Today is Ukraine’s Independence Day. The 35th anniversary. A national holiday with a flavor profoundly changed by the war. 1,643 days of full-scale war.

It’s very symbolic that we’re together today because, in fact, we have been together throughout every day of our defense during this challenging period, from the very beginning of this war.

Please let us pray today for three important things. For those in captivity – that they all may make it through. For those in battle – that they may return. And for peace for Ukraine, that it may come – a just peace, a lasting peace, strong as our people are strong, and just.

Today is an important day – the day of our important Ukrainian symbol, our true guardian, a day of a very powerful emotion. It is the warmth you feel when you are at home – or when, anywhere in the world, you recognize your own people and what is yours by two colors – the colors of the Ukrainian heart and soul, to which this day is dedicated. Ukraine's National Flag Day.

Thank you all – everyone who continues the tradition of holding this kind of Veterans Forum on the eve of Ukraine’s Independence Day. And thank you very much for defending our state. With great respect for all our Ukrainian veterans. We thank you.

A rescue operation is currently underway in Kryvyi Rih following a strike on a shopping mall. All the necessary services have been deployed. Unfortunately, there are many casualties. It was an attack by several Russian drones – deliberate, despicable, one after another. As of now, 14 people have been reported killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones.