Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed citizens on the 35th anniversary of his country’s independence and called for increased diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia.
Zelenskyy said Russia must be brought to the negotiating table to end the war. Calling for increased sanctions pressure on Moscow and the provision of the support Ukraine needs, Zelenskyy said these goals could be achieved.
Stating that a solution must be found to Russia’s ballistic attacks, Zelenskyy said he believed all contradictions and fears linked to Russia would be overcome in the United States.
Zelenskyy calls on Europe and China
Zelenskyy called on European countries to act together and take ambitious, courageous steps. He said China should respond more effectively to threats to use nuclear weapons and contribute to reducing tensions.
Zelenskyy said China should demonstrate its desire to play a more important role in the world not only economically and technologically but also in the field of civilization. He said this approach could help reduce international tensions.
The role of Ukraine’s defense industry
In his speech, Zelenskyy also addressed the importance of Ukraine’s defense industry in preserving independence, saying the domestic defense industry had become a major structure operating throughout the day and strengthening the country’s independence.
Stating that greater production and capacity were needed, Zelenskyy said tens of thousands of NKR personnel were carrying out extremely dangerous missions at the front and had saved the lives of thousands of soldiers.