Speech by Caspar Veldkamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the National Commemoration for Ukraine in Utrecht

Speech | 23-02-2025

Thank you very much Ms Bieliaieva, for your introduction and inspiring words. Thank you all for joining this march.

Dobryy vechir usim!
[good evening everybody],

Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy ni slava ni volya!
[Ukraine’s glory has not yet perished, nor her freedom]

Your national anthem can be sung with pride.

Three years after Russia’s brutal invasion, Ukraine continues to defend itself with unwavering courage and resolve.

On that dark day in February 2022, Putin was counting on a blitzkrieg.

But Ukraine swiftly thwarted that aim, and remains steadfast to this day.

During my multiple visits to Ukraine, I’ve been deeply impressed by the resilience of the people I’ve met. And I am impressed also by your resilience, seeing you here today.

Some may wonder about the roots of Ukraine’s strength.

I understand that the Ukrainian word volya, which I just cited from your national anthem, carries a double meaning: both ‘will’ and ‘freedom’.

And I think that this combination perfectly captures Ukraine’s strength: it embodies the willpower and determination to fight for freedom.

For your freedom and for our freedom in Europe.

That one word says it all: Volya!

And I see this strength – this willpower – reflected in how you are coping far away from home, and in the way you’re contributing to our society here in the Netherlands.

It must be so difficult to have your family and friends so far away, whether in Ukraine or elsewhere.

You likely hoped your stay in the Netherlands would be short – but the days became months, and the months became years.

And through all that time, a foreign army has been ravaging your land, attempting to erase your identity, culture and future.

I’m really impressed by the resilience you have shown in these difficult circumstances.

New and potentially far-reaching diplomatic developments regarding Ukraine are unfolding, and I’m sure you are all following them very closely.

I am also following these events attentively, since the Netherlands stand by Ukraine and its people.

And we will continue to support Ukraine politically, militarily, financially and morally. That stands, and that is what I stand for.

I also want to stress that there can be no agreement without Ukraine’s involvement. That should be self-evident.

Negotiations can be only about security and robust garanties. More importantly, they must also be about people – Ukrainian people.

We must keep in mind the people who trying to survive in occupied territory. About the tens of thousands of children that have been kidnapped by Russia. About you.

The Netherlands will keep supporting you, and in doing so we will take inspiration from your greatest strength: volya.

Slava Ukraini [Glory to Ukraine].

Thank you.