"Our strong nation deserves peaceful generations – a time for life, for the development of our culture, for the opportunity to freely share with the world what makes Ukraine unique. It is not a temporary pause from the horrors unleashed by Russia, [illegitimate president of the Russian Federation Vladimir] Putin and their aggression, nor a few years of calm before the next Russian invasion, and certainly not a lifetime of subjugation to the will of some madman from the Kremlin. Ukrainians have the right to a true and lasting peace," he said.
Zelensky emphasized the need to bring back all deported individuals and prisoners.
"This war cannot simply end with silence on the front after behind-the-scenes discussions and private agreements among a handful of politicians... We must restore justice for the millions of people whose cities and villages have been destroyed by Russian bombs. We must not allow a repetition of Russian aggression, and to achieve this, it is essential to fully restore the strength of international law and the UN Charter. We must protect Ukraine's sovereignty and our territorial integrity, the safety of our people, and our right to live freely, just like your nations and any other nation," the president stated.
He urged partners to continue working to shield Ukrainians from Russian attacks and to keep applying pressure on Russia.
"In wartime, every decision made by a partner country of the one being attacked is primarily a decision about time. Time, regarding how long the war will last. How long injustice will continue. How long there will not be a true, lasting peace. May your decisions bring an end to the war and establish a genuine lasting peace, rather than a temporary illusion. This is entirely possible. Ukraine deserves true peace," Zelensky noted.