On September 21, the world celebrates the International Day of Peace, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly as a reminder of peace — the highest value of humanity, which enables us to live in security and harmony.

This day has special significance for Ukraine, as our country has been defending itself against Russian aggression for over eleven years. We know that peace cannot be taken for granted, at least as long as there are regimes such as Russia that seek to destroy it.

Ukraine, like no other, seeks an end to Russian aggression and the restoration of comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. We are committed to peaceful efforts and real diplomacy to end the war. We emphasize once again that it is Russia that has to demonstrate its readiness for real peace efforts, which require a complete and lasting ceasefire.

Back in 2001, the UN General Assembly decided that the International Day of Peace should serve as the basis for a global ceasefire.

Instead, the Kremlin continues to reject the prospect of peace, issue ultimatums, and imitate diplomacy, ignoring proposals for a ceasefire or meetings between leaders.

Given the aggressor's refusal to end the war, the only realistic approach remains peace through strength. This means new devastating sanctions that will deprive the aggressor of resources for war, further strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, and providing our state with reliable, legally binding, and effective security guarantees.

The International Day of Peace is celebrated on the eve of an important diplomatic event, the High-Level Week of the 80th anniversary session of the UN General Assembly. The participation of the President of Ukraine in the General Debate of the UN General Assembly, the International Crimea Platform Summit, the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine, and the meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children will be important elements in consolidating global support for our state in its efforts to compel the aggressor to make peace.

International Day of Peace reminds us that only through joint action can we put an end to aggression and restore comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the UN Charter, relevant UN General Assembly resolutions, and the principle of the rule of law.

On this symbolic date, we reaffirm the aspirations of millions of our citizens and Ukrainians around the world for the rapid establishment of not only a calendar day of peace, but also a true day of peace for our state—a day of restoring justice, security, and a dignified future for Ukraine among the free and equal nations of the world.