Zelensky rejects surrender in Independence Day speech

Ukraine will not surrender to Russia at any price, President Volodymyr Zelensky declared in a defiant Independence Day address on Monday, as foreign leaders gathered in Kyiv to demonstrate continued support for the war-torn nation. Speaking on the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union, Zelensky rejected Russian demands for territorial concessions, arguing they would not guarantee peace.

Flanked by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa, Zelensky delivered his message from St. Michael's Square in Kyiv, wearing a traditional embroidered shirt. "Ukraine absolutely wants peace, but it is not ready to simply surrender," he stated. He specifically dismissed Russia's demand that Ukraine cede the remaining Ukrainian-controlled parts of the eastern Donbas region, warning that such concessions would not halt Russian aggression. "We will not let them seize the initiative, deceive Europe and the entire world into thinking that we simply need to give up Donbas and everything will be over soon," he said.

The presence of international dignitaries underscored ongoing political backing for Kyiv. Burnham, making his first visit...