This is stated on the website of the Office of the President."Dear Ukrainians! Dear people! Today is Ukraine’s Independence Day. I am here now, in the heart of Kyiv, on Independence Square. And it is here that one can best feel what independence truly means, why it is so important to us. And why Maidan is much more than just the main square of our country. For it is a symbol: a symbol of independence, its guardian. This is the place where history is always made, where the energy and strength of our people are born in times of threat to our independence," Zelenskyy said.He thanked the military, volunteers, medics and all Ukrainians for their courage and contribution to the defense of the country."Thank you all. For what we have already endured. And for the Ukraine we are creating together. For the Ukraine it has already become. That came of age on February 24. That took its fate into its own hands and armed itself. It had no time to hesitate, no right to be afraid. And it truly stopped the world’s second-ranked army. And we will keep saying this. We will because it shatters the myth of the invincible Russian army," the head of state emphasized.Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainians prove their independence and strength every day, repelling Russian attacks."When we hear from the enemy every day: “There is no such state, there is no such nation.” And when, every day, we prove the opposite. We prove that Ukrainians exist – and Ukrainians will remain on this land, on this square, where our future generations will stand a hundred years from now. And a hundred years from now, they will celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day here," he added.Zelenskyy is convinced: today Ukraine has changed, has become stronger, Ukraine respects itself: "And Ukraine does not wait for gestures of goodwill, but it has its own will to put into life what is necessary for us.""And when Russia wants to take the Sumy region, the Armed Forces appear in the Kursk region. When the enemy strikes our energy infrastructure, trying to leave us without light or heat, then its oil refineries burn. And no one can forbid us such strikes because it’s justice itself that delivers them. Just as when Russia attacks us every day – our peaceful cities, our hospitals, our schools, killing our civilians, our children – it receives the “Spiderweb” in response. And this is how justice strikes. This is how Ukraine strikes when its calls for peace are ignored. How many times have we proposed a ceasefire? How many times have we said: “We want silence, we seek peace?” But a dignified, all-encompassing peace – and that is why we count on the strength of the entire world," the president emphasized.Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine "will never again be forced in history to endure the shame that the Russians call a 'compromise.'" He emphasized that only Ukraine will decide its future, and the world recognizes and respects this, perceiving Ukraine as an equal."Ukraine that can, indeed, in a single day, gather and unite the world’s leaders around itself. Ukraine with which the United States – and the entire world – wants to co-produce drones. Ukraine that has restored the unity of Europe and the United States and now serves as the foundation of this alliance. Ukraine that stands its ground and can defend itself. And that is why Ukraine is heard, Ukraine is taken into account, and Ukraine is listened to. Its place is at the table; it is not told, “Wait outside the door.” It is said, “The decision is yours alone," he emphasized.He added that today both the United States and Europe agree: Ukraine has not yet won, but it will definitely not lose."Ukraine has secured its independence. Ukraine is not a victim; it is a fighter. Ukraine does not beg; it offers. Alliance and partnership. The best army in Europe. Advanced defense technologies. Experience in resilience. We say: “We need the EU.” And we do. But the EU needs us just as much. And everyone acknowledges this. And this is how Ukraine is seen – not as a poor relative, but as a strong ally," Zelenskyy said.He expressed confidence that Ukraine will gain peace, because it will receive such strong security guarantees, "so strong that the thought of attacking Ukraine would never cross anyone’s mind.""We are building a Ukraine strong and powerful enough to live in security and peace. So that here, on this square, on our Independence Square, beneath our flags, on our land, our children and grandchildren will celebrate Independence Day. In peace. In calm. With confidence in the future. With respect. And with gratitude to all those who defended Ukraine in this war for independence. To those who endured, who prevailed, who gained victory. Such a goal is worth living for. And this is what we stand for. Happy holiday to you, great people of a great country! Happy Independence Day!" Zelenskyy concluded.