Zelensky thanks US National Constitution Center for Liberty Medal

He said this in his speech at the 34th annual Liberty Medal ceremony held by the National Constitution Center, Ukrinform reports.

"When after the beginning of the Russian invasion, I said – "the president is here", when millions of Ukrainians decided at the same time – "we are here" and we will not surrender, and when the world supported us, saying – "democracies are here", then it meant and still mean – "freedom is here ", "human dignity is here", "law is here". And one day it will definitely mean – "peace is here". I call on you to maintain unwavering unity, as it is now, until that very day when we all hear those important words we have been dreaming of… Until we hear that peace has finally been restored. Democracies must not stop on their way to the victory," Zelensky said.

He recalled that immediately after the full-scale Russian invasion began, Ukraine had heard something very important from the world — support from democracies.

"And we see now what democracies are capable of when they act in unity. Every potential aggressor in the world sees the help that the United States and the free world is providing to us, and all the sanctions imposed against Russia – sees and believes that it is better not to start a war against freedom at all," Zelensky said.

He said he was convinced that "this is one of the greatest contributions to the global peace and security during our lifetime."

At the same time, he recalled that Ukrainians, together with their partners, are currently developing a new security architecture - security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe which will not only re-empower the principles of the UN Charter, but will also become a model for nations in other parts of the world – a model to avoid new cruel wars.

In this context, Zelensky said that "this Liberty Medal is also to all friends of freedom in the United States and other countries, to all those, who are helping us to restore our territorial integrity, and thus to restore peace."

He also expressed gratitude to U.S. President Joe Biden, both parties of Congress and every American for their support.

"Please know that you support not just a country or its leader, you support millions of people who, like you, cherish freedom," Zelensky said.