Speeches

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.

We remember: an independent Ukraine exists thanks to those who care about what will happen to Ukraine. We thank you all!

Today, we discussed primarily what next joint steps of ours can bring greater security to Ukraine and all of Europe, and bring us closer to a real end to the war.

This is Russian impudence. We expect our partners to respond in a principled manner. This war must be brought to an end. Pressure must be exerted on Russia to end the war. Putin understands nothing but force and pressure.

It’s crucial that Europe is as united now as it was at the very beginning, as it was in 2022 when the full-scale war began. This unity really helps to reach real peace, and it must stay strong.

The time difference with Alaska is eleven hours, so tomorrow will start early for everyone in Europe. We are preparing for the upcoming discussions. Russia must end the war that it itself started and has been dragging out for years. The killings must stop. A meeting of leaders is needed.