“Losing part of the territory and losing thousands of Ukrainians, annexed Crimea and the outbreak of war in the Donbass - all this was shock therapy,” he said.
Zelensky noted that such upheavals are “moments of truth” when the people have two ways - to disappear forever or be born a second time. In his opinion, Ukraine chose the second.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that the country will defend its right to remain an independent, sovereign, unitary and democratic state.
Earlier Zelensky opposed a military decision in the Crimea and Donbass.
Crimea became the Russian region after a referendum held there in March 2014, in which most residents spoke out for reunification with Russia.