Zelenskyy received the "Four Freedoms" award in the Netherlands

In the Dutch city of Middelburg, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on behalf of the entire Ukrainian people, received the Four Freedoms Awards 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 of the Netherlands and Princess Beatrix, UNN reports with reference to the Presidential Office.

Details

During his address to the award ceremony participants, the President noted that today was another difficult day in Ukraine: in just one night, the Russian Federation launched almost 300 attack drones, 19 ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. As a result of the shelling, dozens of people were injured and, unfortunately, there were fatalities in Odesa, Kyiv, and Dnipro. Those present honored with a moment of silence the memory of those whose lives were taken by Russia's war.

Putin knows exactly what he is doing – absolutely – and who he resembles. And he is quite rightly compared to the Nazis. He has the same aggressive ambitions – he wants to decide the fate of nations and whether they have the right to exist at all 

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

The world did not turn a blind eye to this war. It did not abandon Ukraine to the mercy of the aggressor. And that changed a lot – by the way, not only for Ukraine. I am convinced that it is thanks to this that we still live in a world that is not divided among aggressors. In a world that is still based on the values of freedom and respect for human life 

The President noted that wars continue, international law and the world order are violated, and, unfortunately, people are still dying, but there is still a convincing majority of countries that recognize that war and killing people are not the norm, and aggression and violence must be stopped.

Freedom is what people fight for themselves and for their children. It is what needs to be protected. And it always needs a strong foundation – security, legal, cultural, and educational, as well as something deeper – something that people feel. A foundation that makes it clear: evil will be punished. Punished unconditionally 

The Head of State stressed that wars return because those who start them do not believe in accountability. Therefore, there must be law, international law, and an international community that ensures its observance. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that critical support for Ukraine with weapons, especially air defense systems, is necessary, as is joint diplomatic work to end the war and pressure on Russia. 

But it is equally important that Russia bears responsibility for this aggression – in a legal and practical sense. And that Russian war criminals do not enjoy a normal life, but receive fair sentences. This is necessary. Just as it was necessary after the Second World War 

Zelenskyy added that work is currently underway to create a tribunal for Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and thanked the Netherlands for its assistance.

We are working to ensure that the international legal system is resolute and uncompromising towards Russian war criminals. I ask you to support this. And, please, remember: any freedom is fragile without the most basic one – freedom from ruins. Without elementary security. And if those who start wars do not feel their responsibility. So do not let Russia go unpunished 

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

It says a lot 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 suddenly found themselves in a new reality that they did not choose, but with which they now have to face every day. Ordinary people who show that even in hearts full of fear, there is still room for love and compassion. And that is worth fighting for 

Add

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