Myroslava Shcherbatiuk- Ambassador of Ukraine to Jordan

On the 24th of August Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day. This holiday has always been a symbol of freedom, but during the last years it has acquired a new, deeper meaning. For Ukrainians today, independence is not an abstract notion from the past — it is the daily struggle for survival, dignity, and the right to exist as a sovereign nation. It is the most cherished value at a time when the Russian aggressor has been trying for almost 11 years to destroy it.

Thirty-four years ago Ukraine was reborn on the map of the world. Today, Ukrainians are defending their independence on the battlefield, standing firm thanks to the bravery of the Defense Forces and the unbreakable spirit of the people. Despite the hardships, Ukraine has proven to the world that statehood can be defended, and that freedom is worth every sacrifice.

The situation on the frontline remains tense and difficult, yet Russia is not winning this war and Ukraine is not losing it. The aggressor has already lost over one million soldiers, with an average of more than a thousand per day since the beginning of this year, and still failed to achieve a single strategic goal. Russia continues to strike Ukraine’s cities and critical infrastructure with missiles, drones, and aerial bombs, killing thousands of civilians, including children. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has confirmed that Russia’s actions amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, deliberately spreading terror among the civilian population. Satellite images from temporarily occupied territories reveal mass graves near Mariupol and other cities — silent testimony to Russia’s atrocities.

The human cost of this war is immeasurable, but it has also brought a powerful message: Ukrainians will not surrender. Instead, they are demonstrating resilience and innovation. Ukrainian drone operations are striking military targets deep inside Russian territory, proving that the aggressor can be contained, and that justice is possible.

Even in these dire circumstances, Ukraine remains a vital contributor to global stability. Despite the destruction of nearly a third of its agricultural capacity and the occupation of a fifth of its farmland, Ukraine continues to feed the world. It supplies food to more than 100 countries, reaching over 400 million people. Through the humanitarian initiative “Grain from Ukraine,” wheat and sunflower oil have been delivered to Palestine, Syria, and other nations, supporting vulnerable populations, including in the Middle East. Ukraine, even at war, is a guarantor of food security.

Justice, however, must accompany resilience. This year marked a historic milestone in ensuring accountability. On June 25, 2025, in Strasbourg, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset signed an agreement establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine in The Hague. This is the first international judicial body since World War II with jurisdiction to prosecute the crime of aggression itself — holding the highest political and military leaders of Russia accountable for initiating the invasion back in 2014. It is a powerful signal that international law must be not only declared, but enforced.

Ukraine stands ready to become a platform for the progressive development of international humanitarian law. Having paid the highest price for freedom, Ukraine can help the world close legal gaps, propose reforms, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure that no aggressor can escape justice in the future.

International diplomatic efforts are also crucial. Proposals for ceasefire have been repeatedly rejected by Moscow Moreover, it did not comply even with the initiatives regarding short-term or limited ceasefires, including those proposed by Russia itself. This shows no genuine will for peace. Intelligence assessments indicate that Russia continues to plan hostile operations even against other countries in Europe. This confirms what Ukrainians have long known: Russia is and will remain an existential threat not only to Ukraine, but to Europe and the global security.

Ukraine’s vision of peace is clear. It must be comprehensive, just, and lasting. It must be based on the UN Charter, on full respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Any settlement that ignores these principles would not be peace, but merely a pause before new aggression. Ukrainians will never recognize any occupied territories as Russian, never accept restrictions on their sovereignty or the capabilities of their Defense Forces. These are non-negotiable red lines.

In this struggle, Ukraine values the support of its partners. Jordan’s principled position in defense of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and internationally recognized borders is deeply appreciated. Ukraine is grateful for Jordan’s vote in favor of the UN General Assembly Resolution “Advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine,” adopted on February 24, 2025, with the support of 93 countries. This resolution reaffirmed the most fundamental principles of the UN Charter: sovereignty, inviolability of borders, prohibition of the use of force, and accountability for aggression. These principles matter not only for Ukraine, but for the Middle East and all regions suffering from conflicts.

Millions of Ukrainians today stand tall and united, defending their independence and believing in their future. They know that freedom will prevail, and that peace will be restored. The world has the leverage and the means to make this happen. Russia’s war of aggression can only be overcome through unity and strength.

The recent summit in Washington, attended by President Zelenskyy together with the leaders of the United States and Europe, has once again demonstrated that the democratic world is actively seeking ways to end this conflict. These joint efforts prove that Ukraine’s struggle is not only national but truly global — a struggle for the future of the entire rules-based international order. On this Independence Day, Ukraine sends a message of hope and determination: freedom will triumph, justice will be done, and peace will return — not only to Ukraine, but to all who struggle for it.