Volodymyr Zelenskyy Received the Four Freedoms Awards on Behalf of the Entire Ukrainian People

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In the Dutch city of Middelburg, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy accepted the Four Freedoms Awards on behalf of the entire Ukrainian people for courage and resilience in the fight for freedom. The award was presented by Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten and Elizabeth Roosevelt in the presence of King Willem-Alexander and Princess Beatrix.

During his address to the participants of the award ceremony, the President noted that today is another hard day in Ukraine: in just one night, Russia launched nearly 300 attack drones, 19 ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. As a result of the shelling, dozens of people were injured and, tragically, there were lives lost in Odesa, Kyiv, and Dnipro. Those present observed a moment of silence in memory of those whose lives were taken by Russia's war.

"Putin knows exactly what he is doing - exactly - and who he resembles. And he is rightly compared to Nazis. He has the same expansionist ambitions - he wants to decide the fate of nations, and whether they have the right to exist at all," the Head of State emphasized.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia's goal is to completely wipe not only Ukraine off the face of the earth, as the Russian Federation has openly and repeatedly stated that it seeks to control all of its neighbors and decide what security in Europe should look like. The President emphasized that Russia has carried its war ideas as far as Syria and Africa.

"The world did not look away from this war. It did not hand Ukraine over to a predator. And that has changed a lot - not only, by the way, not only for Ukraine. I am convinced that because of this, we still live in a world that is not divided among predators. A world still built on the values of freedom and respect for human life," the Head of State noted.

The President noted that wars continue, international law and the global order have been broken, and, tragically, people are still dying. However, there is still a clear majority of nations that recognize that war is not normal, killing people is not normal, and aggression and violence must be stopped.

"Freedom is a condition people fight for - for themselves and for their children. It is a condition that must be protected. And it always requires a strong foundation - security, legal, cultural, and educational, and also something deeper - something people feel. A foundation that makes it clear - evil will be punished. Punished absolutely," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

The Head of State stressed that wars are returning because those who start them do not believe they will be held accountable. That is why there must be law, international law, and an international community that ensures its enforcement. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that support for Ukraine with weapons, especially air defense systems, is critically important, as well as joint diplomatic efforts to end the war and pressure on Russia.

"But it is just as important that Russia is held accountable for this aggression - legally and in practice. And that Russian war criminals do not enjoy normal life, but face fair sentences. This is necessary. Just as it was necessary after the Second World War," the President noted.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy added that work is currently underway to establish the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and thanked the Netherlands for its assistance.

"We are working to ensure that the international legal system is firm and uncompromising toward Russian war criminals. Please support this. And please remember - all freedoms are fragile without the most basic freedom: freedom from ruins. Without basic security. And when those who start wars feel no accountability. So do not let Russia go unpunished," Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded.

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands noted that when he visited Kyiv a month ago, he realized that heroes are not born - heroes are ordinary people. In his remarks, Rob Jetten mentioned, in particular, women working in drone production, Ukrainian rescuers, and all those forced to live under constant Russian attacks.

"It says a great deal that you agreed to accept this award only on behalf of the entire Ukrainian people. On behalf of all ordinary men, women, and children who, in an instant, found themselves in a new reality they did not choose, but must face every day now. Ordinary people who show that even in hearts filled with fear, there is still room for love and compassion. And that is worth fighting for," Rob Jetten said, addressing the President of Ukraine.

The Four Freedoms Awards are an international award presented since 1982 to individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to protecting the four freedoms proclaimed by the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, in 1941. These are freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Each year, the organizers present one international Four Freedoms Award and four additional awards in categories corresponding to each of the freedoms.