Ukraine is proud of its athletes who, despite the war, were able to prepare for Olympic competitions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on the eve of the opening of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

“We are proud of our team—the men and women who, despite this aggressive war, have managed to prepare for the Olympics and embody the spirit of all Ukrainians. They have our will to win and Ukrainian character,” he said on X Friday.

He stressed that at the Olympiad “our people, our flag, and our anthem stand with everyone who respects life, human values, the principles of Olympism, and fair rules.”

“We support Ukraine! We believe in Ukraine!” the President stressed.