The First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska spoke at the 17th annual meeting of the Yalta European Strategy (YES). She took part in a panel discussion moderated by the famous historian Timothy Snyder.

This year's YES meeting was dedicated to Ukraine's efforts to protect sovereignty, independence, and freedom. During the panel discussions, in particular, the questions about the place of war in the history of mankind were discussed, as well as whether the Ukrainian economy will manage to live to victory and what everyone can do to make it happen, whether the West will be able to maintain unity in supporting Ukraine against the Russian aggressor, and what the future will look like. our country

Olena Zelenska made a speech about humanity as a key priority for Ukrainians.

"This war asks everyone in the world: "What are your values? Whose side are you on? On the side of strength and aggression? Are you on the side of those who oppose the invader and defend themselves?” Our main value is a person. Every person, young or old. Because it is a country. By saving our people, we save the country," the first lady said.

She emphasized that saving the country is not only happening at the front:

"We save the country when we evacuate people from hot spots. When we take children with cancer abroad for treatment. We save the country when we deliver incubators with uninterrupted power for newborns to the affected cities - we now have twice as many babies due to the constant stress of their mothers. Sometimes such children weigh 700 grams. But they will survive because they are also our value. If our children learn and develop, then Ukraine will do the same. If adults can work and adequately provide for their families, our economy will survive," said the President's wife.

Olena Zelenska also spoke with the moderator of the event, Timothy Snyder, a well-known American historian and professor at the Richard Levin Department of Yale University. His works have been translated into 40 languages, and the book "On Tyranny" became a New York Times bestseller.

In particular, the first lady and Timothy Snyder talked about the restoration of Ukraine, which, according to the President's wife, is starting now.

More than 400 leading politicians, diplomats, businessmen, public activists, and experts from more than 20 countries took part in the 17th annual meeting of the Yalta European Strategy (YES) "Ukraine: in defense of our common freedom".