Zelensky addresses to the German leadership on war in Ukraine

With our courage and weapons, we can restore peace and create a safeguard against any aggressions

The unity of Ukraine, Germany and the whole free world will help Ukraine win this year and protect the security of its neighbors and the whole of Europe, Ukraine's President says in his address to the participants of the event of Germany's Federal President, dedicated to solidarity with Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also attended it.

"Today is the year that everything has changed … what the free world has become accustomed to over a decade of peace has turned out to be something that needs to be fought for. Diplomacy didn't work. The existing security architecture in the world did not work. The old European hope that economic ties are able to keep Russian tank columns from moving has not worked. But there was also something that worked. First of all, unity. Unity of Ukraine, Germany, the whole free world. And determination. Determination in protecting the foundations of our life with you." Zelensky said.

He also noted that a year ago, everything changed not only for Ukraine, but for the entire civilized world. What the whole world has become accustomed to has turned out to be something that needs to be protected.

"We are fighting on Ukrainian soil for something without which all of you, friends, cannot imagine your own life. This is basic security. This is freedom and life according to the law … Simple things that 1,877 Ukrainian cities and villages are now deprived of. The occupier seeks to increase this number and add millions more broken destinies to those already broken," Ukraine's president added.

He recalled that the city of Mariupol in the Donetsk region was destroyed by 90%, and the occupiers demolish the remains of damaged houses to turn them into concrete chips for road construction.

"We must do everything possible and impossible to prevent russia from turning Ukraine, our neighbors and the whole of Europe into concrete chips, which russian revanchism wants to reach.", the head of the state said.

He noted Germany's help in protecting against russian terror and expressed gratitude for the support, faith in Ukraine and Ukrainians.