The comedian's powerful speech that became president of Ukraine

This is Zelenski's speech translated by Petro Louras:

Ukrainian lovers! After my election victory, my six-year-old son said: “Daddy, they say on TV, that Zelenski is the president... so, that means... I'm the President too? That sounded ridiculous at the time, but later I realized that it was true. Because each of us is the President. Not only 73% voted for me, but all 100% of Ukrainians. This isn't just mine, this is our mutual victory. And this is our common chance that we are together responsible. It's not just me who just took the oath. Each of us has just laid his hand on the Constitution and vowed to be loyal to Ukraine. Now, imagine the headlines: «The president doesn't pay taxes», «The drunk president passed red ~x5> or «The president is stealing quietly because everybody does.» Would you claim that it is shameful? That's what I think when I say that each of us is president. From now on, each of us is responsible for the country we leave to our children.

Each of us, instead, can do anything for the welfare of Ukraine. Our European country starts with each of us. We've chosen a way to Europe, but Europe isn't out there somewhere. Europe is here. P.L.) And when she shows up here, P. L.) It will be anywhere, throughout Ukraine. This is our shared dream. But we also have a common pain. Each of us died in Donba. Every day we lose each of us. And each one of us is a refugee... the one who lost his house and the one who opened the door to his house, sharing the pain. And each of us is an immigrant who can't find himself at home, but has found income in a foreign country and who fights poverty, forced to lose its dignity. But we will overcome all of this! Because each of us is a Ukrainian.

We're all Ukrainians: There are no larger or smaller Ukrainians, either accurate or wrong. From Uzgorod to Luhansk, from Chernigiv to Simferopol, in Lviv, Harkiv, Donjetsk, Dnepro and Odessa we are Ukrainian. And we must be one. After all, only then are we strong. Today I call on all Ukrainians in the world. There are 65 million of us. Yeah, don't be surprised: There are 65 million of us born in Ukraine. Ukraine in Europe and Asia, in North and South America, Australia and Africa I call all Ukrainians on the planet! We really need you. For all who are willing to build a new, strong and successful Ukraine, we will be happy to grant them Ukrainian citizenship. You must come to Ukraine, not as visitors, but to return home. We're waiting for you. There is no need to bring gifts from abroad, but please bring your knowledge, experience, and values! This will help us to start a new era. Skeptics say it's impossible, a fantasy. If it is, in fact, our national idea let's unite and do the impossible against all odds. Remember Iceland's football team at the European Championship when a dentist, a director, a pilot, a student and a janitor defended their country's honor? No one believed he could, but he did! And this must be our way. We must become Icelandic in football, Israelis defending their country, Japanese technology and Swiss alike in the ability to live with each other in harmony, despite all differences. Our first task, however, is the truce in Donba. I have often been asked: What price are you willing to pay for the truce? It's a strange question. What price are you willing to pay for your loved one's life? I can assure you that I am willing to pay any price to prevent the death of our heroes. Of course I'm not afraid to make difficult decisions, and I'm willing to lose my reputation, my appreciation to me, and, if necessary, my offer of peace without hesitation, as long as we don't give up on our territories. History is unfair. We're not the ones who started this war. But we are the ones who have to finish it. And we're ready for dialogue. I believe the first perfect step in this dialogue will be the return of all Ukrainian prisoners.

Our next challenge is the return of lost territories. In all honesty, this formula does not seem entirely accurate to me, because it is impossible to return what has always been ours. Both Crime and Donbas were our land, Ukraine, but the land where we lost the most important thing. Today we have to turn their minds. That's what we lost. Over the years, authorities have done nothing to make them feel Ukrainian and understand that they are not foreigners, but they are our people, they are Ukrainians. And even if they get 10 different passports, it won't change anything. To be Ukrainian, it's not a visa in a passport, Ukrainian feels here (in the heart ʹ St. P.L.) I know that for sure. I know that from the soldiers who are now protecting Ukraine, our heroes, some of whom are Ukrainian speakers, and others Russian speakers. There, on the front line, there is no contention or contention, there is only courage and honor. So I want to appeal to our defenders now: There cannot be strong armies in a country where authorities do not respect people who daily sacrifice their lives for the country. I will do everything I can to make you feel respected. That means good, and most importantly, to make sure that wages, living conditions, the profession leaves behind your combat missions and your holidays and your families. We should not talk only about NATO standards we should create these standards. Of course, there are many other problems besides war that concern Ukrainians. Among them are the tariffs of shock services, wages and humiliating pensions, painful prices and unemployment. There is also a lack of health care that is seen as improved mostly by those who have never been to a state hospital with their child. And then there's also the mythical roads of Ukraine that are being built and repaired only in someone's incredible imagination.

Let me quote an American actor who became a great American president: the government does not solve our problems. The government is our problem. »

I don't understand our government that just picks up and says: «There's nothing we can do. » Not true. You can. You can get a sheet of paper and a pen and freely determine who deserves the sites (St. P. L.), those who think of future generations rather than future elections! Do it and people will appreciate you. Your applause is too easy... I think not everybody likes what I'm saying? Too bad it's not me, but the Ukrainian people who are saying that. My choice proves that our citizens are tired of the pompous political system experimented that over the past 28 years has created a place of opportunity for bribery, theft and waste of resources. We will build the site of other possibilities where everyone is equal to the law and where all the rules are fair and transparent, the same for all. And for that, we need people in power to serve the people. That's why, why I really don't want my pictures in your offices, because the President is not an icon, an idol or a portrait. Put your children's photos in his place and look at them every time you make decisions. I can continue, but Ukrainians want action, not words. So, deputies dear! You appointed my inauguration Monday, a work day, which has a benefit that means you're ready to work.

So I ask you to approve:

The law on lifting parliamentary immunity.
The law specifying criminal responsibility for illegal enrichment.
Long-awaited electoral code and open lists.
Also, please download:

Chief of the Ukrainian Security Service.
Attorney General of Ukraine.
Ukrainian Defense Minister.
That certainly is not all you can do, but for now, that would suffice. You'll have two months to do this. Do it. And take all medals for this a bad move before early parliamentary elections. I'm extending the eighth Parliamentary session!
Glory to Ukraine!
And finally:
Sweet neighbor!
All my life, I tried everything I could to make Ukrainians laugh. That was my mission. Now I'm going to do everything I can so the Ukrainians can stop crying.