Zelensky on the Day of Dignity and Freedom: No draw – we must be free

On the national holiday of the Day of Dignity and Freedom, which is celebrated in Ukraine on November 21, President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the citizens of the country - the European people. The Head of State called on Ukrainians to remain strong and not give up in the defense of their freedom.

This is reported with reference to the website of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

The Head of State emphasized that on this holiday, established in honor of the beginning of two revolutions - the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity - 10 years ago, Ukrainians began a "new page of struggle" and determined their European future.

"10 years ago, Ukrainians launched their first counteroffensive. Against lawlessness, against the attempt to deprive us of our European future. Against our subjugation. 10 years ago, people united not only against something but above all for themselves. Everyone for everyone," Zelensky said.

The President emphasized that "the first victory in today's war actually took place".

"The victory of non-indifference. The victory of courage. The victory of the Revolution of Dignity. The victory of people's resistance, civil society, the feat of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes, and all those who fought for freedom in the capital and other regions," the address reads.

Zelensky noted that the Ukrainian people have already overcome a long stretch of the European integration path, and while 20 years ago it was a "romantic dream" and 10 years ago an ambitious goal, "today it is a reality in which it is no longer possible to stop our movement forward and overcome all the mandatory stages”.

"Therefore, our candidate status and further accession negotiations should certainly result in Ukraine's full membership in the EU. And we are doing all this despite the war. When our people are defending themselves and Europe right now," he said.

Zelensky also emphasized that in this fight, one cannot give in to terror and seek compromises in an attempt to reach a "draw" - otherwise, there will certainly be a loss.

"When the civilized world begins to seek compromises with terrorists and make concessions to tyrants. Then we all definitely lose. Ukraine. Europe. The whole world. We lose, naively thinking that there can be a draw with them. A draw is impossible," the President emphasized.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 21/11/2023