Zelensky marks Ukraine's Independence Day on 6-month anniversary of Russia's invasion, vows to fight 'until the end'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky celebrated Ukraine’s Independence Day on Wednesday — the six-month anniversary of Russia’s military invasion of the sovereign nation — with a fiery speech vowing that the country will not give up defending its freedom.

“After six months of the attempts to destroy us, we are the free people of independent Ukraine,” Zelensky said in a video message. “And this is the truth about our future. The free people of independent Ukraine.”

Ukraine's Independence Day celebrates its 1991 declaration of separation from the Soviet Union.

“Six months ago, Russia declared war against us,” Zelensky continued. “On Feb. 24, the entire country heard explosions and gunshots. And on Aug. 24, it wasn’t supposed to hear the words ‘Happy Independence Day.’ On Feb. 24 we were told, ‘You have no chance.’ On Aug. 24 we say, 'Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!'”

“During these six months, we changed history, changed the world and changed ourselves. Now we know for sure who is really our brother and friend, and who is not even a casual acquaintance,” he said. “And the whole world learned who Ukrainians are. What Ukraine is.”

“A new nation emerged on Feb. 24,” Zelensky added. “Not born, but reborn. A nation that didn't cry, didn't scream, didn't get scared. Didn't run away. Didn't give up. Didn't forget.”

Zelensky’s remarks came amid Moscow’s ongoing assault, which has left thousands of Ukrainians dead.

Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, has overtaken numerous Ukrainian cities and towns, including many in the Donbas region.

In his speech, Zelensky said Ukraine would reclaim those territories.

"To us, Ukraine means the whole of Ukraine. All 25 regions, without any concessions or compromises," he said. "Donbas is Ukraine. And we will get it back, no matter how hard this path will be. Crimea is Ukraine. And we will get it back."

He continued: “It doesn't matter to us what kind of army you have; what matters to us is our land. We will fight for it until the end.”

President Biden marked Ukraine’s Independence Day in a statement praising its citizens for their “extraordinary courage and dedication to freedom.”

“They have stood resolute and strong in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine,” Biden said. “And today is not only a celebration of the past, but a resounding affirmation that Ukraine proudly remains — and will remain — a sovereign and independent nation.”

Biden also announced Wednesday that he is sending $2.98 billion in new military aid to Ukraine to “ensure it can continue to defend itself over the long term.”

“We stand with the Ukrainian people to proclaim that the darkness that drives autocracy is no match for the flame of liberty that lights the souls of free people everywhere,” he added. “The United States, including proud Ukrainian Americans, looks forward to continuing to celebrate Ukraine as a democratic, independent, sovereign and prosperous state for decades to come.”