Ukrainian President Addresses Four Freedoms Awards Ceremony
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used a ceremony for the Four Freedoms Awards in the Netherlands to call for a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war criminals. His appeal came in the immediate wake of a massive overnight Russian attack on Ukraine, which involved approximately 300 attack drones, 19 ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. The assault resulted in civilian deaths in Odesa, Kyiv, and Dnipro, with dozens more injured. This relentless bombardment underscores the daily terror facing Ukrainian cities.
Zelenskyy accepted the International Four Freedoms Award on behalf of the Ukrainian people at the event in Middelburg. The award is based on U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1941 speech outlining fundamental human rights: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. In attendance were King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Prime Minister Rob Jetten, and Anna Roosevelt, the granddaughter of the American president.
A Call for Justice and the Stakes of the War
During his speech, Zelenskyy stated:
'In just one night, there were nearly 300 attack drones, 19 ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. Dozens of people were wounded. And, unfortunately, to our great sorrow, there are also fatalities in Odesa, Kyiv, and Dnipro. These are ordinary people. Children, peaceful citizens, killed by Russian madness.'
He emphasized that 'at the heart of Russia's war against Ukraine is the false claim that Ukraine does not exist, that it is part of Russia.' Zelenskyy added that 'Russia has repeatedly stated openly that it wants to control all its neighbors' and that 'this is truly a global threat.' He stressed the necessity of establishing a tribunal so that 'Russian war criminals do not enjoy a normal life but receive fair sentences,' noting that 'this is needed. Just as it was needed after the Second World War.'
The Ukrainian President highlighted the ongoing struggle for fundamental freedom, stating:
'This fundamental freedom we still lack. Freedom from ruins, freedom from those who bring ruins, freedom from those who seek to destroy everything that matters to normal people.'
Ukraine, together with partners in the Netherlands, is working to establish a special tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression. Other 2026 laureates of the award included the Committee to Protect Journalists and activists Gisèle Pelico and Isidora Uribe Silva. The Four Freedoms Award ceremony provided a powerful platform to align Ukraine's defense with universal human values.
President Zelenskyy's call for a tribunal to hold Russian military criminals accountable underscores the critical role of international justice in wartime. The Four Freedoms Award, which honors core human rights, also signals the international community's support for Ukraine's fight for freedom and justice. The ongoing conflict continues to draw global attention, highlighting the broader danger posed by Russia's aggressive actions.
As Ukraine continues to grapple with the aftermath of the latest assault, the international community is closely watching Zelenskyy's diplomatic efforts. His recent engagements in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, may yield significant decisions regarding support for Ukraine. To explore the potential outcomes of Zelenskyy's European tour, read more about the anticipated decisions from the Netherlands.