Zelensky Rules Out Surrender on Ukraine’s Independence Day

Ukraine wants peace but is not prepared to surrender to Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday as the country marked the 35th anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union.

"Ukraine definitely wants peace, but it is not ready to simply capitulate", Zelensky said in a video address from Kyiv. He rejected Russia’s demand that Ukraine give up the remaining parts of the Donbas that Moscow does not control, arguing that such a concession would not end Russian aggression.

Zelensky called on Ukraine’s allies to provide everything necessary to end the war, bring Russia to the negotiating table and impose further sanctions. He also declared that "China must no longer remain silent".

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, European Council President António Costa, Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Estonian President Alar Karis traveled to Kyiv for the celebrations.

During his first visit to Kyiv as prime minister, Burnham is set to co-chair a meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing, which brings together countries supporting Ukraine.

(Reuters, bak)