Zelenskyy: Russia is trying to "completely erase Ukraine from the face of the Earth, and its ambitions extend beyond Ukraine"

On April 16, Zelenskyy delivered a speech in Middleburg, the Netherlands, while receiving the "Four Freedoms Award," stating, "War criminals from Russia should not enjoy normal lives but must receive just judgment." The full text is as follows:

Today in Ukraine, another extremely difficult day has arrived—following an incredibly grueling night after a large-scale Russian attack. In just one night, Russia deployed nearly 300 attack drones, 19 ballistic missiles, and multiple cruise missiles. Air raid sirens sounded across several cities.

And just a day before that, our skies were hit by waves of Shahed drones. Dozens were injured. Deeply heartbreaking is the fact that civilians lost their lives in Odesa, Kyiv, and Dnipro. They were ordinary people—children, innocent civilians—killed by Russia's madness.

If possible, I kindly ask everyone here to observe a moment of silence for one minute, in memory of them and all those whose lives have been taken by this terrible war.

Thank you.

The core justification behind Russia’s war against Ukraine is a complete lie: the claim that Ukraine does not exist, or that Ukraine is merely part of Russia. This is not simply about history, politics, or ideology. Their goal is built upon this falsehood—to completely erase Ukraine from the face of the Earth—and their ambitions extend far beyond Ukraine.

Russia has repeatedly and openly declared its desire to control all neighboring countries, to unilaterally determine how Europe’s security landscape should be shaped, and even whether Europe has the right to feel secure. Russia has extended its war ideology to Syria and even Africa—this is indeed a global threat. Importantly, many nations around the world view it precisely this way: as a global threat.

Russia must be held accountable legally and practically for this aggression. War criminals from Russia should not live normal lives but must receive fair and just judgment. This is essential—just as necessary as it was after World War II.

We are taking action in Europe, in the Netherlands, to make this happen. We are pushing for the establishment of a special tribunal to address Russia’s crimes of aggression against Ukraine. Thank you for your support. We are committed to ensuring that the international legal system responds resolutely, firmly, and without compromise to Russia’s war criminals. I urge your support for this cause.

Please remember: without the most fundamental freedom—the freedom from annihilation—without basic security, no other freedom can stand firm.

If those who start wars do not feel the responsibility they bear, then Russia must never go unpunished.

The Four Freedoms Award has been presented since 1982, honoring individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to defending the four freedoms proposed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States in 1941. These four freedoms include:

- Freedom of speech and expression

- Freedom of religion

- Freedom from want

- Freedom from fear

The award is given annually, including one international grand prize and four category prizes corresponding to each of the four freedoms.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862652536844288/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.