"Never look back at Moscow”: Zelenskyy delivers an emotional speech in Vilnius square
Zelenskyy emphasized that thanks to the Ukrainian defenders, there will never be deportations from the Baltic countries to Siberia, and Lithuanians will not have to fight against Russian soldiers.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda address the public in Vilnius / Photo: Associated Press
On Tuesday, July 11, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed a large rally in support of Ukraine in Vilnius.
Before his speech, Zelenskyy exclaimed: "Glory to Ukraine!". And the square responded loudly: "Glory to the heroes!". The President joked that he feels “like at home” in Vilnius.
"Here, in Vilnius, we see the progress of Europe. People here understand what security means and how to achieve it. And they know that security means standing together with Ukraine. Thank you for your clear position on inviting Ukraine to NATO. The Ukrainian flags on the streets of Lithuania clearly demonstrate that we are already allies. Ukraine will defend not only its own freedom but also yours. "And we must never, ever look back at Moscow," emphasized the Head of State.
Zelenskyy brought with him a Ukrainian flag sent from the battle-torn city of Bakhmut, saying it was a symbol that Lithuania and the rest of Europe would never have to fight Russian soldiers because there would be no war in Europe.
"Today, in Vilnius, we have a combat flag from Bakhmut. And it signifies that Lithuanians will never have to fight against Russian soldiers again. It means that there will never be deportations from the Baltic countries to Siberia. There will never be divisions of Poland or the humiliation of Hungary by aggressors. There will never be tanks in Prague or 'winter wars' against the freedom of Finland. There will be no more occupations in Europe," Zelenskyy declared passionately.
He emphasized the importance and justice of Ukraine's desire to join NATO.
"Today, I set out on this journey with faith in the decision, faith in our partners, and faith in NATO. In NATO, which does not hesitate, does not waste time, and does not look back at any aggressor. And I would like this faith to become confidence in the decisions that we all deserve... "Is this desire too big? NATO will provide security to Ukraine. Ukraine will make NATO stronger," the President said.
According to him, Russian imperial ambitions will remain crushed in the ruins of Bakhmut and on the fields of other battles in Ukraine.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, while announcing Volodymyr Zelenskyy's speech in Vilnius square, stated that Ukraine is paying the highest price - the price of blood - and therefore deserves to be a member of NATO.
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