Zelensky outlines sovereignty-first plan for Ukraine

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Verkhovna Rada with a plan described as a path to resolving the war that rejects land concessions and rejects any freezing of the conflict. The message centered on defending the country’s independence and sovereignty while pursuing a durable settlement that reflects the will of the Ukrainian people and their hard earned right to security. The address in parliament set a firm tone: Kyiv would seek guarantees that its borders and the ability to shape its own democratic future stay intact even as it maps a route to end the fighting and rebuild the state. Officials and observers noted that the speech was crafted to mobilize Western backing and domestic resolve at a moment of intense diplomatic pressure. The plan, Zelensky explained, places Ukraine on a trajectory where security arrangements are anchored in national dignity and constitutional sovereignty rather than short term gains, and it calls for a comprehensive effort that blends political diplomacy with modern defense readiness. The president highlighted reforms that would strengthen governance, restore essential services, and accelerate reconstruction, all while preserving the rule of law and civil protections. In substance, the address portrayed a unity of purpose that extends beyond Kyiv to partners who share the belief that security can be achieved through credible commitments, ongoing modernization, and a long view toward stability that sustains everyday life for Ukrainian citizens.