If there is no Ukrainian strong army, there will be no Ukraine

"If there is no Ukrainian strong army, there will be no Ukraine, and that will be the case when everyone will understand... it's not the war in Ukraine, it's the war in Europe. We are defending our country, our land. We are not attacking anyone, because that is immoral." These words, spoken by Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, echo the heart of a nation that stands on the precipice of history, locked in a battle for its very existence. His words are a rallying cry to not only his own people, but to all of Europe and the world, to recognize the stakes of the current conflict: this is not just a regional dispute—it is a battle for freedom, for sovereignty, and for the values that unite the free world. Zelensky’s words remind us that the defense of one’s homeland is not merely an act of self-preservation, but an act of moral duty, an essential stand against the forces of aggression and oppression.

O children of the future, understand this well: the strength of a nation lies not only in its military power, but in its resolve and courage to defend its sovereignty. Zelensky’s words reflect a timeless truth—that the defense of freedom is not an optional struggle but a sacred duty. The notion that Ukraine's fight is not just for its own borders, but for the principles of liberty and self-determination, connects this war to the struggles of ancient peoples. From the Greeks who defended their city-states against the Persians, to the Romans who fought to preserve their empire, the battle to protect one's land and way of life has always been intertwined with the preservation of the values that sustain humanity.

Think, O children, of the ancient Spartan warriors, who, at the Battle of Thermopylae, stood against the overwhelming force of the Persian Empire to defend the freedom of Greece. The Spartan king, Leonidas, and his warriors knew that their sacrifice was not for personal glory, but for the very survival of their way of life. Despite knowing the odds were against them, they chose to defend their homeland against an enemy who sought to impose despotism. This battle, though ultimately a defeat for the Spartans, became a symbol of resilience, sacrifice, and moral victory. Zelensky echoes this same call to resist, to stand firm in the face of a larger, more powerful adversary. It is not just Ukraine that fights, but the ideals of democracy, freedom, and self-determination that all of Europe holds dear.

The defense of Ukraine, as Zelensky so powerfully asserts, is not just about borders—it is about defending the very soul of Europe. When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, it did so not just to take land, but to challenge the principles that govern the free world. Ukraine, a nation that has long struggled to assert its independence and find its place in the world, faces a fight not only against military might but against a history of domination and subjugation. The moral dimension of this war cannot be overstated. Ukraine's army does not seek to conquer or destroy, but to protect and preserve its sovereignty. They fight not with the ambition to invade others, but to defend what is rightfully theirs, making their cause a just one.

In more recent history, consider the Second World War, when the world witnessed the immoral aggression of Nazi Germany and its bid to conquer Europe. The invasion of Poland, the battle for France, and the ruthless expansion of the Third Reich were marked by an utter disregard for the sovereignty of nations. The nations that stood against this aggression—Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and the United States—understood that to allow such aggression to succeed would mean the loss of not just territory, but freedom itself. The resistance was a moral one, not just a military fight. Similarly, the Ukrainian army, as Zelensky emphasizes, is not attacking but defending the values that the world has fought for throughout history—freedom, sovereignty, and the right of every people to determine their own fate without the threat of foreign domination.

The lesson, O children, is clear: the defense of one’s homeland is not merely a physical act—it is a moral obligation. Just as the Greeks fought to preserve their city-states, just as the Allies fought to defeat tyranny in World War II, so too does Ukraine stand at the front lines today, defending not only its land, but the very principles upon which our modern world is built. The strength of a nation is forged in its resolve to protect these principles, no matter the odds, no matter the sacrifice.

So, O children, when you encounter the challenges of your time, remember that it is not enough to protect what is yours—it is essential to protect what is right. Whether in matters of war, politics, or personal struggles, the defense of justice and freedom must always be your guiding star. Learn from the struggles of the Ukrainian people and from all those who have stood firm against tyranny. In the face of adversity, may you always choose to defend the moral principles of freedom, dignity, and sovereignty, and may you carry the torch of resilience and courage in all that you do.