President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held an online conversation with students and faculty of Ecuadorian higher education institutions: San Francisco de Quito University, Casa Grande University, Espíritu Santo University, Simón Bolívar Andean University, and ESPOL Polytechnic University.
He expressed gratitude to Ecuador for its consistent support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for backing international decisions aimed at protecting the Ukrainian state.
“I am confident that we will be able to restore peace for all our people. We will be able to guarantee security. And when Ukraine’s freedom ultimately prevails, we will thank many around the world who supported us — in particular, the entire Latin American community: different societies, different people, different characters, but equally freedom-loving hearts,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
The President emphasized that in the fourth year of the full-scale war, despite daily Russian strikes and the vast length of the front line, the Ukrainian people have succeeded in defending their independence and have proven that Ukraine will be free and equal among other states of the world.
“In Ukraine, we want our defense — all our achievements, the heroism of our people — we want all this to inspire other nations. So that our achievements fuel the hope of those fighting for freedom. If such a felon has failed to prevail against Ukraine, then any felon can lose,” the Head of State said.
During the conversation, the parties discussed, in particular, the situation on the battlefield and Russia’s involvement of foreign military personnel in its war against Ukraine. According to the President, this is evidence that the Russian Federation lacks sufficient internal resources.
Special attention was given to diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace, the importance of U.S. leadership in this process, the necessity of strong pressure on Russia, and the need to prevent the circumvention of sanctions.
The conversation also addressed the potential role that Latin American countries can play in achieving peace. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine and applying pressure on Russia. The Head of State reminded that it is precisely due to Russian aggression and Russia’s blockade of the Black Sea that countries in Latin America and the African continent have been left without access to agricultural products.
“Clearly, one cannot stand in the middle between us and Russia. Because this is not merely a war between us and Russia — it is Russia that attacked us, and the war is taking place solely on the territory of Ukraine. One can choose not to help Russia circumvent sanctions, not to trade with them. All of this is possible,” the President concluded.