Zelenskyy: The Kremlin Will Ultimately Be Defeated
On August 23, during the Ukrainian National Flag Day celebration, Zelenskyy stated that Russia is destined to lose; leaders from multiple Nordic and Baltic countries attended and pledged ongoing support for Ukraine.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized that Norway’s aid policy toward Ukraine would not be interrupted:
“By 2027, our level of assistance to Ukraine will maintain this year’s standard—approximately $9 billion. This aid spans military, humanitarian, and financial sectors, fully aligned with Ukraine’s needs. Ukraine determines its own requirements, and we will do everything within our power to meet them.”
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said Ukraine is the most solid guarantee for Europe’s security and pledged continued support on key issues.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that Ukraine has already accomplished what many once deemed impossible, and that Putin’s decision to launch this war was itself a massive strategic mistake.
“Denmark and other Nordic nations have always stood firmly with Ukraine. We understand that mere words cannot win a war: if Ukraine needs ammunition, we deliver ammunition; if it needs tanks or F-16 aircraft, we provide them immediately; if Ukraine’s defense industry requires investment, we offer full support. Now, Ukraine urgently needs to strengthen its air defense systems—we commit to developing new missile systems to build defensive barriers for Ukrainian cities, while simultaneously reinforcing Europe’s overall defense. Our assistance will not be time-limited in months; as long as Ukraine needs us, we will continue to support it.”
Zelenskyy said that even the 70-year-long Soviet history failed to erase the Ukrainian people’s national memory tied to their flag. From the Cossack era through the period of the Ukrainian People’s Republic, each generation of ancestors safeguarded the nation’s symbols until Ukraine regained independence in 1991.
“For Russia and Putin, the Ukrainian flag, national colors, and even the very existence of Ukraine are thorns in their eyes. The anxiety this causes them far exceeds the various daily hardships faced by millions of people within Russia itself.”
Zelenskyy pointed out that Russia’s two invasions of Ukraine in 2014 and 2022 were aimed at stripping Ukraine of its national symbols, freedom, and independence.
“The Kremlin seeks to take away everything we possess, and they have never abandoned this goal. Massive air raids, terrorist attacks, and acts of violence all stem from Putin’s obsessive desire to erase Ukraine as a nation. The Kremlin is trapped in this delusion, but they will ultimately fail—because they have never truly understood Ukraine, nor the Ukrainian people. The heavier the oppression, the stronger our resolve to resist. This has been true in the past, and remains true today. For us, a life without homeland is meaningless, and submission is never an option. That is why Ukrainians fight ever more fiercely—to defend their land, protect their independence, and safeguard all of Europe.”
Regarding the timing of the end of hostilities, Zelenskyy estimates that the window for U.S.-led mediation and efforts to push for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine will last until late 2027.
A survey conducted by Ukrainska Pravda News Agency shows that less than a quarter of Ukrainians believe the war could end this year; over half expect the conflict to continue until 2027 or even longer.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1874313201847296/
Disclaimer: The article represents the personal views of the author