“In 50 days of this war, Ukraine has become a hero for the whole free world!” – the speech of the President of Ukraine

At the end of the 50th day of russia's war against Ukraine, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the passivity of the world community after the russian invasion of Donbas and the lack of any serious consequences for russia had freed russians for further actions.

He stressed that the occupiers would be responsible for everything they have done in Ukraine. The President thanked those countries that have offered their help from the very first days of the war, having stood back to back to search for the weapons and the equipment needed to defend Ukraine.

The President mentioned the team of our veterans and servicemen who will take part in the international sports competitions “Invictus Games” and wished them good luck, as they represent the whole Ukraine there.

Today, 221 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine received state awards, 34 of them posthumously.

Here are some theses from Zelensky's speech:

• In 50 days of the full-scale russian invasion, russia has shown that Donbas is its main target. russia wants to destroy Donbas in the first place.

• I remember the first day of the russian invasion. I remember what I was being told about on February 24. To put it mildly, no one was sure that we would withstand it. Everyone felt sorry for us. Many advised us to leave the country. Advised to actually give up to tyranny. But they didn't know us then.

• The occupiers will be responsible for everything they have done in Ukraine. For everything they did against Ukrainians. (...) The question “How to guarantee security for Ukraine and for Europe?” will never be rhetorical again. We will not allow this.

• These 50 days have shown me many world leaders in a different way. Leaders of different states. I have seen a great generosity of those who are not very rich themselves. I saw the extraordinary determination of those who were not taken seriously by global leaders. But all this is just a superstructure above how our people, all our people, are defending Ukraine.

• In 50 days of this war, Ukraine has become a hero for the whole free world. For those who have the courage to call a spade a spade. For those who are not poisoned by propaganda. You all have become heroes.

• I spoke today to our team, which will take part in the international sports competitions “Invictus Games”. Among them are both veterans and servicemen – those who are currently defending our state. They are very worried that they had to go to competitions.

• I have signed decrees on rewarding those who excelled in the defense of the state. They are 221 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 34 of them posthumously. And two employees of the State Special Service.