The President Speaks
President Volodymyr Zelensky is the symbol of Ukraine’s resistance to the Russian invasion both to Ukrainians and the rest of the world. His speeches have inspired million at home and abroad – the former to fight for their country and the latter – to protest and push their political leaders to decisive actions to help Ukraine.
Zelensky made his first remarkable speech during the 58th Munich Security Conference just a few days before Putin gave the order to attack. He said: “Ukraine wants peace. Europe wants peace. The world says it doesn’t want to fight, and Russia says it doesn’t want to attack. Someone is lying.” We all know now who the liar is.
Ukrainians, ordinary citizens and politicians and high-ranking leaders from all over the world have been moved by the speeches of the President who said: “I need ammunition, not a ride”. Below is a selection of some of his most powerful lines which will surely go down in history.
Zelensky made his first remarkable speech during the 58th Munich Security Conference just a few days before Putin gave the order to attack. He said: “Ukraine wants peace. Europe wants peace. The world says it doesn’t want to fight, and Russia says it doesn’t want to attack. Someone is lying.” We all know now who the liar is.
Ukrainians, ordinary citizens and politicians and high-ranking leaders from all over the world have been moved by the speeches of the President who said: “I need ammunition, not a ride”. Below is a selection of some of his most powerful lines which will surely go down in history.
To Ukrainians
(Feb. 24) What do we hear today? It’s not just rocket explosions, battles, the roar of aircraft. It is the sound of a new Iron Curtain lowering and closing Russia away from the civilized world. Our national task is to make this curtain pass not through our Ukrainian territory, but at the home of Russians.
No one will be able to convince or force us, Ukrainians, to give up our freedom, our independence, our sovereignty. But it seems that the Russian leadership is trying to do this by destroying the potential of their country.
(Feb.25) Take care of your family and loved ones, but do not forget about the people around you. Those who are single, those who are older. Help them with food. Help find shelter when there is an air alarm. Help with access to verified official information. Stop the enemy wherever you see it. The fate of Ukraine depends only on Ukrainians. No one but ourselves will control our lives. We are on our land, the truth is on our side. It will not be possible to destroy our character.
Yesterday, unfortunately, we lost our “Mriya” (Dream). But the old “Mriya”. And we are building a new one now.
Good morning, Ukrainian heroes! The fifth day of Russia’s full-scale war against the people of Ukraine. We stand firm. During this time, we have experienced as much as other nations may not have in decades. We have been told for a long time that there is something wrong with Ukrainians in this or that issue. That Ukrainians have to do so-called “homework” for decades. Because of this, we often did not notice what we are really capable of. And now we have shown ourselves to the fullest. And it’s inspiring. For everyone. In every conversation with our partners, I hear sincere respect. Ukrainians have shown the world who we are.
I thank the ordinary people of Ukraine, who stop tanks with their bare hands, expel the invaders from administrative buildings by force of spirit and make their stay in Ukraine shameful. To prove that they are all strangers here. This is what the people’s war is. This is what the people of Ukraine is.
Good health to you, united country! I did not accidentally say “united”. The seventh day of this terrible war began. A war we feel the same way. During this time we have had more unity than for over thirty years before. At first we were equally scared, then we felt equally painful. And now we do not care. Except for victory. Except for the truth. Except for peace. Except for the tranquility we want to achieve. Except for the lives of our people, for whom we are worried. Except for Ukraine. During this time, we have truly become one. We forgave each other a lot. We started loving each other. We help each other. We are worried for each other.
Today you, Ukrainians, are a symbol of invincibility. A symbol that people in any country can become the best people on earth at any moment.
They wanted to wipe us off the face of the earth. They failed. They backstabbed us. And we are on our feet. They wanted us to be silent. But the whole world heard us. We’ve been through so much! And if someone thinks that, having overcome all this, Ukrainians - all of us - are scared, broken or will surrender, he knows nothing about Ukraine. And he has nothing to do in Ukraine. Go home.
We responded to the invasion as we can in times of greatest danger. Responded with heroism. Solidarity. Mutual assistance. We responded in Ukrainian. So that the history of Europe will remember it forever. It will tell children about it. Show it to grandchildren.
But even if you deprive us of oxygen, we will breathe deeply, to say: get out of our land!
Even in complete darkness we see the truth.
And we will fight until it darkens in our eyes.
Because we are the warriors of light. And today no one on Earth will be able to say that this line is pathos.
Our people, our Ukrainians do not retreat. Do not give up. Do not stop the resistance. They shout to the occupiers - go home. Like a Russian ship!
We are fighting for where the border will be. Between life and slavery.
And this is not only our choice.
Everything is in our hands! We withstood and inspired the whole world with our determination. There is no such place on earth where they are not aware of the heroism with which the Ukrainian people defend our beautiful land.
These slaves sent by Russia have never seen so many free people in the squares and streets. They have never seen thousands of people who are not afraid of them, of slaves with weapons in their hands. Slaves perceive freedom as savagery, as danger. They are scared. The fear that propagandists know how to turn into hatred. And then - shots at peaceful free people.
The 30th day. It’s been a month! If Russia had known it would face that, I’m sure they would have definitely been afraid to come here.
To the World
We believe that NATO countries themselves have created a narrative that the closure of the sky over Ukraine would provoke Russia’s direct aggression against NATO.
This is self-hypnosis. Of those who are weak, underconfident. Internally. Although they may have weapons many times more powerful than ours.
How many more deaths and losses are needed to secure the sky over Ukraine?
How do civilians in Kharkiv or Mykolaiv differ from Hamburg or Vienna?
(To the British Parliament) Ukraine that saves people despite the terror of the invaders. Defends freedom despite the blows of one of the world’s largest armies. Defends despite the open sky. Still open to Russian missiles, aircraft, helicopters. “To be or not to be?” - You know this Shakespearean question well.
13 days ago, this question could still be raised about Ukraine. But not now. Obviously, to be. Obviously, to be free.
Today, when I see the support of the people of each country in the squares of European capitals, I know that the Ukrainian people are already in the European Union.
And politicians... I’m sure they will adjust to that.
Preferably faster.
The European Union must do more.
It must do more for us, for Ukraine. And for itself.
We are waiting for that. All European nations are waiting.
(To the Polish Sejm) Just in one day, on the first day of the war, it became clear to me and to all Ukrainians, and, I am sure, to all Poles that there are no more borders between us, between our nations. No physical ones. No historical ones. No personal ones.
Today, I cannot be sure of all the leaders of all European nations, but I am sure that we will definitely be with you in defending freedom. As much as needed.
(To Italians and all Europeans) I am constantly asked in interviews: how can Europe help Ukraine?
I formulate the question differently, namely: how can Europe help itself?
Because this is a war not only against our people, not only against Ukrainians. This is a war against the values that unite us.
(To the US Congress) Today it is not enough to be the leader of the nation.
Today it takes to be the Leader of the world. Being the Leader of the world means to be the Leader of Peace.
Peace in your country does not depend anymore only on you and your people.
It depends on those next to you, on those who are strong.
Strong does not mean big. Strong is brave and ready to fight for the life of his citizens and citizens of the world.
For human rights, for freedom, for the right to live decently and to die when your time comes, not when it is wanted by someone else, by your neighbor.
Now I am almost 45 years old. Today my age stopped when the hearts of more than 100 children stopped beating. I see no sense in life if it cannot stop death. And this is my main mission as the Leader of my people – great Ukrainians.
And as the Leader of my nation I am addressing President Biden.
You are the Leader of the nation, of your great nation.
I wish you to be the Leader of the world. Being the Leader of the world means to be the Leader of Peace.
(To the Bundestag) You are like behind the wall again. Not the Berlin Wall. But in the middle of Europe. Between freedom and slavery. And this wall grows stronger with each bomb that falls on our land, on Ukraine. With every decision that is not made for the sake of peace. Not approved by you, although it may help.
And you don’t see what’s behind this wall, and it’s between us, between people in Europe. And because of this, not everyone is fully aware of what we are going through today.
Freedom and equality. Opportunity to live freely, not to submit to another state, which considers a foreign land its “living space”. Why are they defending all this without your leadership? Without your strength? Why are overseas states closer to us than you are?
Because this is the Wall. The wall that someone doesn’t notice and that we are hammering on while fighting to save our people.
Former actor, President of the United States Ronald Reagan once said in Berlin: Tear down this wall!
And I want to tell you now.
Chancellor Scholz! Tear down this wall.
Give Germany the leadership you deserve. And what your descendants will be proud of.
Support us.
Support peace.
Support every Ukrainian.
Stop the war.
Help us stop it.
(To the Knesset) We ask you for help... Even for basic visas...
What is it? Indifference? Premeditation? Or mediation without choosing a party? I will leave you a choice of answer to this question. And I will note only one thing - indifference kills. Premeditation is often erroneous. And mediation can be between states, not between good and evil.
Ukrainians have made their choice. 80 years ago. They rescued Jews. That is why the Righteous Among the Nations are among us.
People of Israel, now you have such a choice.
(To the Italian Senate) From the first day of this war, you have shared our pain and are helping sincerely - from the heart. Ukrainians will always remember this. Your warmth, your care and your strength that must stop one person. Just one person for millions to survive.
(To the Japanese Parliament) We have similar values with you despite the huge distance between our countries. A distance that doesn’t really exist. Because we have equally warm hearts.
(To the French Parliament) Ukrainians see that France values freedom as much as it has always been. And you protect it. You remember what it is. Freedom, equality, brotherhood. Each of these words is full of power for you! I feel it. Ukrainians feel it.
So that people live their life. Full life. And so that we say goodbye to people not under bombs, not in war, but when the time comes.
Only in peace. Only in dignity. Because you have to live so that you are respected. So that you are remembered.
(To the World) This is only the beginning for Russia on the Ukrainian land. Russia is trying to defeat the freedom of all people in Europe. Of all the people in the world. It tries to show that only crude and cruel force matters.
It tries to show that people do not matter, as well as everything else that makes us people.
That’s the reason we all must stop Russia. The world must stop the war.
Show your standing! Come from your offices, your homes, your schools and universities. Come in the name of peace. Come with Ukrainian symbols to support Ukraine, to support freedom, to support life.
Come to your squares, your streets. Make yourselves visible and heard. Say that people matter. Freedom matters. Peace matters. Ukraine matters.
(To NATO) You have at least 20,000 tanks! Ukraine asked for a percent, one percent of all your tanks to be given or sold to us! But we do not have a clear answer yet... The worst thing during the war is not having clear answers to requests for help.
Ukraine never wanted this war. And does not want to fight for years. We just want to save our people. We want to survive! Just survive! Like any nation, we have the right to it. The right to life. The right to this one percent.
(To the Swedish Riksdag) Now the blue and yellow flag in the world is probably the most popular. These colors are associated with freedom. This is true for different people on different continents. And of course in Europe.
The blue and yellow colors of the national flag are not just about Ukraine. This is about you as well, about Sweden. And obviously this is not a coincidence. This is fate. Because we are equally for freedom. We are equally for a peaceful life. We are equally for respect for everyone. We are equally for justice and equally for caring for the natural world in which we live.
(To the European Council) And what about the European Union?
I want to thank you - you are united, united around us. But I want to say that it was done in one way or another. But once again, the main thing is that you have united.
And we really appreciate that. You have applied sanctions. We are grateful. These are powerful steps.
But it was a little late. Because if it had been preventive, Russia would not have gone to war. At least no one knows for sure. There was a chance.
(After Biden’s trip to Poland) At risk only because they left only one percent of all NATO aircraft and one percent of all NATO tanks somewhere in their hangars. One percent! We did not ask for more. And we do not ask for more. And we have already been waiting for 31 days!
So who runs the Euro-Atlantic community? Is it still Moscow because of intimidation?
Partners need to step up assistance to Ukraine. These are the words: partners need!
And it is impossible to unblock Mariupol without a sufficient number of tanks, other armored vehicles and, of course, aircraft. All defenders of Ukraine know that. All defenders of Mariupol know that. Thousands of people know that - citizens, civilians who are dying there in the blockade.
The United States knows that. All European politicians know. We told everyone. And this should be known as soon as possible by as many people on earth as possible. So that everyone understands who and why was simply afraid to prevent this tragedy. Afraid to simply make a decision. Vital decision.
(Feb. 24) What do we hear today? It’s not just rocket explosions, battles, the roar of aircraft. It is the sound of a new Iron Curtain lowering and closing Russia away from the civilized world. Our national task is to make this curtain pass not through our Ukrainian territory, but at the home of Russians.
No one will be able to convince or force us, Ukrainians, to give up our freedom, our independence, our sovereignty. But it seems that the Russian leadership is trying to do this by destroying the potential of their country.
(Feb.25) Take care of your family and loved ones, but do not forget about the people around you. Those who are single, those who are older. Help them with food. Help find shelter when there is an air alarm. Help with access to verified official information. Stop the enemy wherever you see it. The fate of Ukraine depends only on Ukrainians. No one but ourselves will control our lives. We are on our land, the truth is on our side. It will not be possible to destroy our character.
Yesterday, unfortunately, we lost our “Mriya” (Dream). But the old “Mriya”. And we are building a new one now.
Good morning, Ukrainian heroes! The fifth day of Russia’s full-scale war against the people of Ukraine. We stand firm. During this time, we have experienced as much as other nations may not have in decades. We have been told for a long time that there is something wrong with Ukrainians in this or that issue. That Ukrainians have to do so-called “homework” for decades. Because of this, we often did not notice what we are really capable of. And now we have shown ourselves to the fullest. And it’s inspiring. For everyone. In every conversation with our partners, I hear sincere respect. Ukrainians have shown the world who we are.
I thank the ordinary people of Ukraine, who stop tanks with their bare hands, expel the invaders from administrative buildings by force of spirit and make their stay in Ukraine shameful. To prove that they are all strangers here. This is what the people’s war is. This is what the people of Ukraine is.
Good health to you, united country! I did not accidentally say “united”. The seventh day of this terrible war began. A war we feel the same way. During this time we have had more unity than for over thirty years before. At first we were equally scared, then we felt equally painful. And now we do not care. Except for victory. Except for the truth. Except for peace. Except for the tranquility we want to achieve. Except for the lives of our people, for whom we are worried. Except for Ukraine. During this time, we have truly become one. We forgave each other a lot. We started loving each other. We help each other. We are worried for each other.
Today you, Ukrainians, are a symbol of invincibility. A symbol that people in any country can become the best people on earth at any moment.
They wanted to wipe us off the face of the earth. They failed. They backstabbed us. And we are on our feet. They wanted us to be silent. But the whole world heard us. We’ve been through so much! And if someone thinks that, having overcome all this, Ukrainians - all of us - are scared, broken or will surrender, he knows nothing about Ukraine. And he has nothing to do in Ukraine. Go home.
We responded to the invasion as we can in times of greatest danger. Responded with heroism. Solidarity. Mutual assistance. We responded in Ukrainian. So that the history of Europe will remember it forever. It will tell children about it. Show it to grandchildren.
But even if you deprive us of oxygen, we will breathe deeply, to say: get out of our land!
Even in complete darkness we see the truth.
And we will fight until it darkens in our eyes.
Because we are the warriors of light. And today no one on Earth will be able to say that this line is pathos.
Our people, our Ukrainians do not retreat. Do not give up. Do not stop the resistance. They shout to the occupiers - go home. Like a Russian ship!
We are fighting for where the border will be. Between life and slavery.
And this is not only our choice.
Everything is in our hands! We withstood and inspired the whole world with our determination. There is no such place on earth where they are not aware of the heroism with which the Ukrainian people defend our beautiful land.
These slaves sent by Russia have never seen so many free people in the squares and streets. They have never seen thousands of people who are not afraid of them, of slaves with weapons in their hands. Slaves perceive freedom as savagery, as danger. They are scared. The fear that propagandists know how to turn into hatred. And then - shots at peaceful free people.
The 30th day. It’s been a month! If Russia had known it would face that, I’m sure they would have definitely been afraid to come here.
To the World
We believe that NATO countries themselves have created a narrative that the closure of the sky over Ukraine would provoke Russia’s direct aggression against NATO.
This is self-hypnosis. Of those who are weak, underconfident. Internally. Although they may have weapons many times more powerful than ours.
How many more deaths and losses are needed to secure the sky over Ukraine?
How do civilians in Kharkiv or Mykolaiv differ from Hamburg or Vienna?
(To the British Parliament) Ukraine that saves people despite the terror of the invaders. Defends freedom despite the blows of one of the world’s largest armies. Defends despite the open sky. Still open to Russian missiles, aircraft, helicopters. “To be or not to be?” - You know this Shakespearean question well.
13 days ago, this question could still be raised about Ukraine. But not now. Obviously, to be. Obviously, to be free.
Today, when I see the support of the people of each country in the squares of European capitals, I know that the Ukrainian people are already in the European Union.
And politicians... I’m sure they will adjust to that.
Preferably faster.
The European Union must do more.
It must do more for us, for Ukraine. And for itself.
We are waiting for that. All European nations are waiting.
(To the Polish Sejm) Just in one day, on the first day of the war, it became clear to me and to all Ukrainians, and, I am sure, to all Poles that there are no more borders between us, between our nations. No physical ones. No historical ones. No personal ones.
Today, I cannot be sure of all the leaders of all European nations, but I am sure that we will definitely be with you in defending freedom. As much as needed.
(To Italians and all Europeans) I am constantly asked in interviews: how can Europe help Ukraine?
I formulate the question differently, namely: how can Europe help itself?
Because this is a war not only against our people, not only against Ukrainians. This is a war against the values that unite us.
(To the US Congress) Today it is not enough to be the leader of the nation.
Today it takes to be the Leader of the world. Being the Leader of the world means to be the Leader of Peace.
Peace in your country does not depend anymore only on you and your people.
It depends on those next to you, on those who are strong.
Strong does not mean big. Strong is brave and ready to fight for the life of his citizens and citizens of the world.
For human rights, for freedom, for the right to live decently and to die when your time comes, not when it is wanted by someone else, by your neighbor.
Now I am almost 45 years old. Today my age stopped when the hearts of more than 100 children stopped beating. I see no sense in life if it cannot stop death. And this is my main mission as the Leader of my people – great Ukrainians.
And as the Leader of my nation I am addressing President Biden.
You are the Leader of the nation, of your great nation.
I wish you to be the Leader of the world. Being the Leader of the world means to be the Leader of Peace.
(To the Bundestag) You are like behind the wall again. Not the Berlin Wall. But in the middle of Europe. Between freedom and slavery. And this wall grows stronger with each bomb that falls on our land, on Ukraine. With every decision that is not made for the sake of peace. Not approved by you, although it may help.
And you don’t see what’s behind this wall, and it’s between us, between people in Europe. And because of this, not everyone is fully aware of what we are going through today.
Freedom and equality. Opportunity to live freely, not to submit to another state, which considers a foreign land its “living space”. Why are they defending all this without your leadership? Without your strength? Why are overseas states closer to us than you are?
Because this is the Wall. The wall that someone doesn’t notice and that we are hammering on while fighting to save our people.
Former actor, President of the United States Ronald Reagan once said in Berlin: Tear down this wall!
And I want to tell you now.
Chancellor Scholz! Tear down this wall.
Give Germany the leadership you deserve. And what your descendants will be proud of.
Support us.
Support peace.
Support every Ukrainian.
Stop the war.
Help us stop it.
(To the Knesset) We ask you for help... Even for basic visas...
What is it? Indifference? Premeditation? Or mediation without choosing a party? I will leave you a choice of answer to this question. And I will note only one thing - indifference kills. Premeditation is often erroneous. And mediation can be between states, not between good and evil.
Ukrainians have made their choice. 80 years ago. They rescued Jews. That is why the Righteous Among the Nations are among us.
People of Israel, now you have such a choice.
(To the Italian Senate) From the first day of this war, you have shared our pain and are helping sincerely - from the heart. Ukrainians will always remember this. Your warmth, your care and your strength that must stop one person. Just one person for millions to survive.
(To the Japanese Parliament) We have similar values with you despite the huge distance between our countries. A distance that doesn’t really exist. Because we have equally warm hearts.
(To the French Parliament) Ukrainians see that France values freedom as much as it has always been. And you protect it. You remember what it is. Freedom, equality, brotherhood. Each of these words is full of power for you! I feel it. Ukrainians feel it.
So that people live their life. Full life. And so that we say goodbye to people not under bombs, not in war, but when the time comes.
Only in peace. Only in dignity. Because you have to live so that you are respected. So that you are remembered.
(To the World) This is only the beginning for Russia on the Ukrainian land. Russia is trying to defeat the freedom of all people in Europe. Of all the people in the world. It tries to show that only crude and cruel force matters.
It tries to show that people do not matter, as well as everything else that makes us people.
That’s the reason we all must stop Russia. The world must stop the war.
Show your standing! Come from your offices, your homes, your schools and universities. Come in the name of peace. Come with Ukrainian symbols to support Ukraine, to support freedom, to support life.
Come to your squares, your streets. Make yourselves visible and heard. Say that people matter. Freedom matters. Peace matters. Ukraine matters.
(To NATO) You have at least 20,000 tanks! Ukraine asked for a percent, one percent of all your tanks to be given or sold to us! But we do not have a clear answer yet... The worst thing during the war is not having clear answers to requests for help.
Ukraine never wanted this war. And does not want to fight for years. We just want to save our people. We want to survive! Just survive! Like any nation, we have the right to it. The right to life. The right to this one percent.
(To the Swedish Riksdag) Now the blue and yellow flag in the world is probably the most popular. These colors are associated with freedom. This is true for different people on different continents. And of course in Europe.
The blue and yellow colors of the national flag are not just about Ukraine. This is about you as well, about Sweden. And obviously this is not a coincidence. This is fate. Because we are equally for freedom. We are equally for a peaceful life. We are equally for respect for everyone. We are equally for justice and equally for caring for the natural world in which we live.
(To the European Council) And what about the European Union?
I want to thank you - you are united, united around us. But I want to say that it was done in one way or another. But once again, the main thing is that you have united.
And we really appreciate that. You have applied sanctions. We are grateful. These are powerful steps.
But it was a little late. Because if it had been preventive, Russia would not have gone to war. At least no one knows for sure. There was a chance.
(After Biden’s trip to Poland) At risk only because they left only one percent of all NATO aircraft and one percent of all NATO tanks somewhere in their hangars. One percent! We did not ask for more. And we do not ask for more. And we have already been waiting for 31 days!
So who runs the Euro-Atlantic community? Is it still Moscow because of intimidation?
Partners need to step up assistance to Ukraine. These are the words: partners need!
And it is impossible to unblock Mariupol without a sufficient number of tanks, other armored vehicles and, of course, aircraft. All defenders of Ukraine know that. All defenders of Mariupol know that. Thousands of people know that - citizens, civilians who are dying there in the blockade.
The United States knows that. All European politicians know. We told everyone. And this should be known as soon as possible by as many people on earth as possible. So that everyone understands who and why was simply afraid to prevent this tragedy. Afraid to simply make a decision. Vital decision.
