Annerie

When he is rejected and betrayed by those once called friends. When allies grow weary, politicians negotiate, and some are already poised to shake the hand of the executioner. When his life and the life of his country are daily targets for rockets, drones, bombs, and lies. I have no idea how this man has endured all this. And continues to endure it. He does not look like a movie hero. He looks like a man who hasn't slept in years. He has been cast aside. With eyes burning for the homes of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa. With eyes that see all of Ukraine. He asks for no pity. He courageously asks for weapons. He does not flee. He stands his ground and bares his chest. When offered evacuation, he says: "I need ammunition, not a taxi." And this is not just a catchy phrase. It is a choice proven over years. Every day. Every night. Right now. He has been betrayed and continues to be betrayed. He has been underestimated and continues to be underestimated. He has been insulted and continues to be insulted. He has been put to the test and continues to be put to the test. And he stands tall. In the shadow of ruined cities. With weary soldiers. In the shadow of a world that is also weary—a world that wants to forget this war in Ukraine and think of something that causes no suffering or stress, something pleasant. Yet he reminds everyone. He speaks to people as if holding their hands. And there is something in that which brings a lump to one's throat. In all my life, I have never admired any public figure more than him. And I think, perhaps, I never will again. Because such admiration is not about politics. It is about a man who, when everything is falling apart, does not ask "Why me?" but—like a knight—does what must be done. I am certain he will stand firm, even if it costs him his life. Even if all his friends leave. Even if the whole world turns its back on him. He will not betray his principles. The entire world respects him—not because he is perfect, but because he is the strongest of them all, because he has raised the banner of the highest values: human dignity, freedom, and democracy. And all of Ukraine stands with him—weary and wounded, yet unbowed. Perhaps in the future, you will vote for someone else in the presidential election. That is your right. But today, let us respect him. We have a president who deserves respect and of whom we need not be ashamed. May he have strength and patience. Volodymyr Oleksandrovych deserves kind words and every form of support today. So let us give it to him—it is our duty!