Ukraine's Zelensky vows "symmetrical retaliation" against Russia

- A sick old man from the Red Square, who constantly threatens everyone with the red button, will not dictate to us any of his red lines - said President Volodymyr Zelensky on Ukrainian Independence Day. - Only Ukraine and Ukrainians will determine how to live, what path to take, and what choices to make - he added.

- Today we celebrate the 33rd Independence Day of Ukraine. And what the enemy brought to our land has now returned to his home. And the one who wanted to turn our lands into a buffer zone should think about how to prevent his country from becoming a buffer federation. This is how independence responds - said in his 13-minute speech President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.

The video, published on Saturday morning, on Ukrainian Independence Day, was recorded in the Sumy region - as Zelensky emphasized - on "the border between Ukraine and slavery, between life and death. The border between an independent European state and the number one terrorist organization in the world".

- That is why our enemy will know what Ukrainian retaliation is. Dignified, symmetrical, long-range retaliation. He will know that every point in Russia that is a source of danger to the lives of our state and our people will sooner or later receive a Ukrainian response - declared the president, referring to the Ukrainian military operation in the Kursk region of Russia.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine surprises the world once again, and Russia is once again resorting to actions and rhetoric known from the past. The president noted that this picture emerges from the coverage of global media reporting on the situation in the Kursk region.

[We see] how Russia treats its citizens, whom it calls "the population." How Russia "does not abandon" its own. How their soldiers loot their own stores. This is what Putin's Russia looks like in the eyes of the world - he emphasized.

Zelensky emphasized the necessity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church achieving independence. - This is economic, this is energy independence. This is the spiritual independence of the Ukrainian people. And Ukrainian Orthodoxy today is taking a step toward liberation from the devils of Moscow - he declared.

The president thanked all those who help the Ukrainian army and state and everyone who works daily for independence. He declared that he is grateful to Ukraine and Ukrainians for 913 days of war and for "proving that independence is a cause for everyone. And it has many dimensions. Each of which must be gained to secure comprehensive independence."

On Friday, on the eve of Independence Day, Zelensky spoke with US President Joe Biden.

- On behalf of the Ukrainian people, I express my gratitude to you personally, your administration, Congress and all the American people for the support that the United States has been providing to our country since the first days of the war. This support enables us to withstand and preserve our statehood - said Zelensky, addressing the US leader.