Zelenskyy Marks Independence Day With Call 'To Make Russia Howl'

RFE
24 Aug 2026, 03:30 GMT+10

KYIV -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued an appeal for greater international pressure on Russia to force it to the negotiating table. Speaking in an address on his nation's Independence Day, Zelenskyy called on the United States, Europe, and China to each play their part.

"I believe that America will lose all its contradictions and phobias about Russia. The Russians must be brought to the negotiating table. There finally must be sanctions that will make them howl," Zelenskyy said in his address, marking 35 years since Ukraine became independent from Moscow amid the collapse of the Soviet Union.

"Europe must be Europe. United, ambitious, brave. China should no longer remain silent," he added. "China must prove its ambition to be one of the worlds leaders, not only economically and technologically, but also as a civilization making it clear that no dictators have the right to threaten the planet with their old warheads."

New Aid From Europe

Shortly before Zelenskyy spoke, European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen announced an additional $7 billion of military aid for Ukraine.

"On Ukraines Independence Day, we show our unfaltering support," she wrote on social media, adding that the additional funding was for "air and missile defense systems, missiles, ammunition, and radars that Ukraine urgently needs."

Later on August 24, the so-called Coalition of the Willing, comprised of European nations, Canada, and others, meets to discuss ways to add pressure on Russia to halt its invasion months ahead of another likely brutal winter.

While many leaders will join the meeting virtually, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is attending in person in Kyiv on his first foreign trip since taking office last month.

Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace, he said in a statement released by his office.

Seeking US Aid

With further assistance from the White House uncertain, Zelenskyy held talks with US Senators Richard Blumenthal (Democrat) and James Lankford (Republican) in Kyiv during a National Prayer Breakfast on August 23.

Zelenskyy thanked Washington for its unwavering bipartisan and bicameral support and said efforts were continuing in both chambers of Congress to increase pressure on Russia, including through the Lindsey Graham sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran.

As Russia continued its missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, Zelenskyy said he briefed the senators on "Russia's ongoing terror with ballistic missiles," stressing the importance of giving Kyiv the capabilities to counter the attacks.