Volodymyr Zelensky: "Ukraine ardently desires peace, but is not prepared to surrender simply and plainly."

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine desires peace, but will not accept surrendering to Russia, in a speech delivered on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.

Zelensky emphasized that Russia's demand to cede the Donbas region will not stop Russian aggression and rejected this request. He paid tribute to the soldiers defending the country and called on allies to provide all necessary support to end the war.

He also urged China not to remain "silent" in the face of the conflict.

US-led peace negotiations have stalled, and fighting continues intensely along a 1,200 km front line.

Despite the slowdown of Russian advances, Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian infrastructure.

The "Coalition for Ukraine" meeting takes place on Monday in Kyiv, with the participation of foreign leaders.