KYIV, Saturday, May 9, 2026 (WNP): President of Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday said Ukraine was marking Europe Day with the firm belief that it was already an inseparable part of the European family and was defending not only its own future but also the future of Europe.

In a statement issued on Europe Day, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was observing the day “not formally or through sloganeering,” but with full awareness of its place within Europe.

“We are defending Ukraine, our independence, our future – and in doing so, we in Ukraine are defending our Europe,” he said.

The Ukrainian president said Europe had stood with Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war, describing European support as a principled choice rather than charity.

He said Europeans had chosen to stand “on the same side as the brave and the strong” and praised Ukrainians for fighting for peace and protection against tyranny across the continent.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine would continue defending its state, people and its right to freely choose its future “a future in Europe.”

“Glory to Ukraine!” he added.