"Ukraine wants peace, but will not surrender to Russia" - Zelenskyy delivered a speech on Independence Day

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a speech marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, stressed that Kiev seeks peace but will not surrender to Russia under any conditions.

According to Zelenskyy, even if Ukraine agrees to Russia’s demands to cede eastern territories, Moscow may not stop its aggression.

Zelenskyy was joined by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa at the Independence Day celebrations. Burnham said his visit to Kiev would demonstrate Britain’s firm support for Ukraine’s defense.

Britain also announced that it would allow Ukraine to use secret technologies to begin manufacturing European SCALP long-range cruise missiles on its territory. The Kremlin said that the use of such technologies would further strain relations between Russia and Britain.

On August 24, the Coalition of the Willing, a group of Ukraine's allies, is also expected to discuss military issues. The parties will consider, in particular, the issue of supplying Ukraine with additional air defense systems to protect against Russian ballistic missiles.

Zelensky stressed that Ukraine wants to receive all the necessary assistance to stop the war, but he is not asking allies to fight for Ukraine.

Ukraine is currently negotiating with France, Germany, the United States and other partners to strengthen its air defense capabilities. In particular, agreements are being discussed on the supply of missiles for the SAMP/T and Patriot systems to Kiev, as well as on the production of some weapons on Ukrainian territory.