Volodymyr Zelenskyy honoured with Four Freedoms Award in Netherlands

Middelburg: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was honoured with the International Four Freedoms Award on Thursday at a ceremony, recognising both his leadership and the resilience shown by Ukraine in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion, now in its fourth year.

The award was presented by the Roosevelt Foundation, an organisation established in 1982 to celebrate the Four Freedoms first outlined by former United States President Franklin D Roosevelt in his 1941 State of the Union address.

These freedoms include freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

Speaking at the ceremony, the foundation’s chair Hugo de Jonge praised the Ukrainian people and their president.

“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,” he said.

Recognition on behalf of Ukraine

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten also addressed the gathering, highlighting Zelenskyy’s decision to accept the honour collectively.

“It speaks volumes that you only agreed to accept this award if you could do so on behalf of all the people of Ukraine,” he remarked during the event.

Notable past recipients

The International Four Freedoms Award has previously been awarded to prominent global figures such as Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Major organisations including the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross have also received the distinction.

Other award winners announced

Several other recipients were recognised across different categories this year. French rape survivor Gisele Pelicot received the Freedom from Fear Award. The Committee to Protect Journalists was honoured with the Freedom of Speech Award. Isidora Uribe Silva from Chile, who has cerebral palsy, was presented with the Freedom from Want Award for her long-standing advocacy for inclusion, equal human rights, and gender equality.

The recipient of the Freedom of Worship Award was not disclosed publicly by the foundation due to security concerns.

Meeting and continued support for Ukraine

Following the ceremony, Zelenskyy was scheduled to meet with Rob Jetten. The Netherlands has continued to support Ukraine since the onset of the Russian invasion, including supplying Patriot missile systems and fighter jets.

On Wednesday, Defence Minister Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius announced an allocation of 248 million euros, equivalent to 292 million US dollars, for the procurement of drones for Ukraine’s military.

Ongoing diplomatic efforts

With no further United States-mediated talks with Russia currently announced, Zelenskyy has been actively engaging with European leaders. Over the past 48 hours, he has visited Germany, Norway, and Italy in an effort to secure additional military and financial backing.

Germany and Ukraine have agreed on a defence package valued at 4 billion euros, or 4.7 billion US dollars. Meanwhile, Norwegian officials confirmed a pledge of 9 billion euros in assistance.

Historic venue for the ceremony

The Four Freedoms Awards are held at the New Church in Middelburg, located in the province of Zeeland. The location holds historical significance as it is the ancestral home of the Roosevelt family.

Agency inputs