Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Johns Hopkins alumni, urging them to use their time and resources to pursue their passions and uphold the democratic values at stake in his country’s war against Russia.
Zelenskyy spoke to Ukrainian students in Baltimore, where he said the ongoing conflict has affected the future of many young Ukrainians, depriving them of opportunities and loved ones.
He encouraged university graduates to make the most of every moment of life.
“Time is the most precious resource on the planet. Not oil or uranium, not lithium or anything else, but time,” he said. – Someone gets it faster, and they’re lucky. Someone realizes too late when someone or something loses.
He also thanked US leaders for their support since the start of the Russian invasion, including significant investments in humanitarian and military aid.
President Joe Biden last week announced an agreement between the United States and European countries on the supply of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
“I am proud that Ukraine does not lose a single day in its defense against Russian terrorism. Every day we do everything to get stronger, to give people more protection, to save more lives,” Zelenskyy said. “Nor is the United States wasting a single day in helping Ukraine repel Russian aggression.”
In his speech, Zelenskyy referred to a recent visit to the Ukrainian military, saying many of them had the same dreams and aspirations as American graduates. The difference, he said, is that Ukrainians will have to face the collective tragedy of war before realizing their dreams.
“You need to know exactly what you need today and how you want to see your future,” he stressed.
The university announced Zelenskyy’s speech as the ceremony had already begun, minutes before he appeared on screen.
Zelenskyy, whose actions in response to the Russian invasion have made him an international symbol of democracy, said he is confident that future generations of American leaders will continue to uphold democratic values around the world.
After Zelenskyy’s speech, university president Ron Daniels awarded him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
University spokeswoman Jill Rosen said Daniels had already sent Zelenskyy a letter asking him to speak at the ceremony.
In his letter, Daniels expressed his hope that “one of the great Democratic leaders of our time will speak to the next generation of leaders, emphasizing for them the importance of following their principles and the need to stand firm and humility the difficult moments of history”. which they will undoubtedly face in the years to come.
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