Zelenskyy vows continued resistance on Ukraine's 35th Independence Day as UK clears missile production

Address to the nation

In a 20-minute video address delivered on the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the country after more than 1,640 days of war. He stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin had miscalculated his war goals and underestimated Ukrainian resolve. Zelenskyy noted that Russian forces are being turned into fertilizer on the battlefield, pointing to long queues at Russian fuel stations as evidence of economic strain. Acknowledging that conditions remain difficult across the front lines, he firmly rejected Russian demands for the surrender of the Donetsk region, stating that giving up territory would not bring peace.

Ukraine will manage this. Ukraine has already accomplished tasks that initially seemed insurmountable.

He declared that Ukraine has become a fundamentally different state that will concede nothing, describing the nation as a fighter rather than a victim.

European and British defense backing

European allies timed new financial and defense decisions to coincide with the anniversary. The European Union released 6.1 billion euros in funding from its 90 billion euro loan program, which is scheduled for payout across multiple tranches. The allocation follows an appeal from Zelenskyy over the weekend requesting 30 billion euros from the EU for Ukraine's defense budget. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen cited intensified Russian missile and drone attacks as the reason for expanding financial support.

While Russia steps up its attacks, we are expanding our support so that Ukraine can protect its population and defend its airspace.

Alongside the financial package, the British government authorized defense consortium MBDA to share classified technical documentation, allowing Ukraine and France to establish local production of Scalp and Storm Shadow cruise missiles. These precision weapons possess a range exceeding 250 kilometers and are already deployed by Ukrainian forces against rear targets. British representative Burnham visited Kyiv to lead a video conference of the Coalition of the Willing, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz published a video statement reaffirming that Germany stands firmly alongside Ukraine.

Diplomatic positioning and Moscow's response

In his speech, Zelenskyy also reviewed Ukraine's evolving industrial base and international diplomatic relations. He stated that Ukraine's domestic arms industry now operates around the clock, enabling regular strikes against Russian logistics centers, naval vessels, and oil refineries deep behind the front lines. He praised the United States under President Donald Trump, asserting that Washington has lost its illusions about Russia, recognizes that Putin does not want to end the war, and understands the necessity of severe sanctions to force Moscow to negotiate.

China must no longer remain silent, making it clear that no dictator may threaten the planet with outdated warheads.

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the British decision to facilitate missile manufacturing in Ukraine, accusing London of pouring fuel on the fire and becoming a direct party to the conflict. Peskov claimed that Britain is attempting to derail any prospect of a peaceful settlement process. He stated that the Russian military will target and destroy any relevant production facilities constructed inside Ukraine.