Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russia made a mistake by underestimating the most important thing — the people defending Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this in an address marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.

“In all his plans concerning Ukraine, Putin was wrong about the main thing. The enemy counted our resources and our equipment, but failed to take into account what matters most — people,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

In his words, it is people who are the principal strength of an independent Ukraine — those who take responsibility, defend the country and refuse to let the enemy break it.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave separate thanks to the service members holding the front.

“You defended the capital. You liberated Kyiv, Kharkiv and Kherson regions. You are not giving up Donbas. You are not giving up Ukraine,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

The President also spoke about the development of Ukraine’s defence industry. He said Ukraine must continue to scale up production of unmanned ground vehicles, naval drones and other assets needed for the war.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine’s air defence has already learned to shoot down most Russian attack drones.

“Do you remember the day when forty Shaheds first flew towards Kyiv? Some were shouting that this was the end. Others were looking for solutions. Today we shoot down 90% of the Shaheds,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

At the same time, he said, Russia is showing no real desire to end the war, which is why international pressure on Moscow needs to be increased.

“We must bring Russia to the negotiating table. We must finally impose sanctions that will leave them gasping for air. Ukraine needs to be given everything that will force Russia to end the war,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

He urged Ukrainians to maintain unity and trust in the state and the Defence Forces.

“We are tired. But we are not giving up. Ukraine wants peace very much. But it is not prepared to give up being itself,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

Speaking about independence, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine did not receive it as a gift.

“Thirty-five years ago, Ukraine restored its independence. It was not given to us. It was not lent to us. It was fought for. People took risks for it. People gave their lives for it,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.