MIDDELBURG, Netherlands (AP) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received the prestigious International Four Freedoms Award on Thursday, recognizing the courage and resilience of Ukraine in resisting the full-scale invasion initiated by Russia over four years ago. This award, presented by the Roosevelt Foundation, honors the Four Freedoms articulated by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his 1941 State of the Union address: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.
During the ceremony, Hugo de Jonge, chair of the Roosevelt Foundation, expressed admiration for Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people. He stated, “We pay the highest tribute to the unwavering courage and enduring perseverance of the Ukrainian people and to the steadfast and resolute leadership of their president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy." Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten also lauded Zelenskyy, noting his decision to accept the award on behalf of all Ukrainians, highlighting the collective resilience of the nation.
Following a standing ovation, Zelenskyy requested a moment of silence for the victims of a recent Russian barrage that resulted in at least 16 deaths and numerous injuries. He conveyed his sorrow over the losses in cities such as Odesa, Kyiv, and Dnipro, describing those killed as ordinary civilians, including children. Zelenskyy urged for accountability for those responsible for war crimes in Ukraine, asserting, “Do not let Russia go unpunished.”
The International Four Freedoms Award has previously been awarded to notable figures such as Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, along with organizations like the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. At the event, French rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot received the Freedom from Fear Award, while the Committee to Protect Journalists was honored with the Freedom of Speech Award. The Freedom from Want Award was presented to Isidora Uribe Silva from Chile, acknowledging her advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities and gender equality. The winner of the Freedom of Worship Award was not publicly announced due to security concerns.
After the formalities, Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister Jetten. The Netherlands has been a firm supporter of Ukraine since the aggression began, having provided military support including Patriot missiles and fighter jets. On the eve of the award ceremony, Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius revealed that the Netherlands would allocate 248 million euros (approximately $292 million) for drones to support the Ukrainian military.
With little prospect of renewed U.S.-mediated talks with Russia, Zelenskyy visited three European capitals within 48 hours prior to the award ceremony, seeking additional military and financial backing from Germany, Norway, and Italy. Ukrainian officials announced a defense agreement with Germany, valued at 4 billion euros ($4.7 billion), as well as a pledge from Norway amounting to 9 billion euros in support.
The Four Freedoms awards are awarded in the New Church located in Middelburg, Zeeland, which is the ancestral home of Franklin D. Roosevelt's family.
