08/24/2026

Thirty-five years after Ukraine restored its independence, Ukrainians are still fighting for the right to determine their own future. In his Independence Day address, President Zelensky explained how Vladimir Putin fundamentally misjudged Ukraine: Putin counted weapons, equipment, and ammunition—but failed to count the Ukrainian people who would volunteer to defend their homes.

Europe did more than issue congratulatory statements. European leaders traveled to Kyiv, the European Union approved €6.1 billion—approximately $7.1 billion—for air defense, missiles, ammunition, and radars, and Nordic-Baltic leaders promised continued support until Ukraine achieves a just peace and takes its place in the EU and NATO. Britain is also helping Ukraine expand its long-range missile capabilities.

Ukraine remains independent in the fifth year of Putin’s supposed three-day war. That is not merely a Ukrainian achievement. It is one of the clearest strategic failures Russia has suffered—and a reminder that freedom survives only when people are willing to defend it and allies are willing to stand beside them.

Support Ukraine Support Bridge:
https://ukrainesupport…

Facts over noise. Context over headlines. Truth over talking points. Principle over partisanship.

• CHAPTERS
• 00:00 Ukraine Marks 35 Years of Independence
• 00:24 Zelensky: Putin Fundamentally Misread Ukraine
• 02:00 Ukraine Has Become Europe’s Best Army
• 03:23 European Leaders Show Up in Kyiv
• 03:46 Europe Approves $7.1 Billion for Ukraine
• 05:03 The Nordic-Baltic Commitment Has No Expiration Date
• 06:06 Britain Stands Shoulder to Shoulder With Ukraine
• 07:12 The Delayed American Visit
• 08:12 Zelensky Challenges America’s Fear of Russia
• 08:30 Mike Pence: Ukraine Is on the Frontier of Freedom
• 10:51 Independence Has the Face of a Ukrainian Soldier
• 11:29 The Historic Declaration of August 24, 1991
• 12:52 Security Guarantees Must Be Enforced
• 13:31 Ukraine Support Bridge Update
• 14:03 Putin’s Three-Day War Reaches Another Independence Day

https://www.youtube.com/@Professor-Gerdes