Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine received the international “Four Freedoms” award in the Netherlands

A ceremony was held in Middelburg, the Netherlands, to present the international “Four Freedoms” Award, which this year was awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people.

The award was presented to the head of state by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. 

King Willem-Alexander and Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands also attended the ceremony.

“The struggle for freedom is at the heart of this award, and it is a great honor for me to present it to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion four years ago, you have become a symbol of the struggle for freedom in Ukraine. The need to defend this freedom is essential, and the main message that must be repeated again and again is that defending freedom is everyone’s duty,” Jetten said.

He emphasized that the award is dedicated not only to the president but to the entire Ukrainian people:
“This award is for your country, for you as President, and for the entire Ukrainian people.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to the prime minister, the world sees not only the Ukrainian leader’s diplomatic efforts but also the strength of society:
“We see how you act on the international stage, actively seeking to influence where possible. But we also see the strength and resilience of your people.”

Jetten emphasized that Ukrainians are defending not only their territory but also their identity:
“Every centimeter is not just Ukrainian land, but also its dignity, its identity, its language, songs, symbols, and all those elements that shape a nation and give the country a future. That is exactly what they are defending.”

He also noted the courage of Ukrainian rescuers, medical personnel, and emergency services working under the constant threat of shelling, and highlighted people’s ability to maintain their humanity even under the most difficult conditions:
“Ordinary people continue to live their lives: buying groceries, bringing flowers to their wives, visiting relatives. These are the people who show that even in hearts filled with fear, there is room for love, and that alongside death, there is always life.”

The Prime Minister assured that Ukraine would not be left alone:
“You are not alone. You are in the hearts of many people in the Netherlands, the United States, and around the world.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the honor and called on those present to honor the memory of the fallen with a moment of silence.

During the ceremony, Myroslav Skoryk’s “Melody” was played, and a video depicting the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine was shown.