President Zelensky receives top Four Freedoms Award for Ukraine’s war-time resistance
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received the International Four Freedoms Award in Middelburg on Thursday. The awards are based on U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1941 “Four Freedoms” speech, which outlined freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.
The ceremony also honored individuals and organizations working on freedom of expression, human rights, and protection from violence, including a French survivor of sexual violence. Gisèle Pelicot and a journalists’ advocacy group.
Zelensky was the central recipient of the 2026 International Four Freedoms Award, presented on behalf of Ukraine and its people for their resistance in the war against Russia. In his speech, he described ongoing attacks and thanked the Netherlands for its support. He reported that "hundreds of drones and even cruise missiles" had struck Ukraine overnight, adding, "Putin wants to determine the fate of nations."
He also said, “I am very grateful for your support. Killing people is not normal. The violence must stop.” At his request, the audience observed a minute of silence for victims in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten said the award was given “as recognition for their courageous struggle for our freedom and democracy under exceptionally difficult circumstances.”
The Freedom from Fear Award was awarded to French survivor and activist Gisèle Pelicot, honored for her decision to publicly confront years of sexual abuse. Pelicot endured prolonged abuse after being drugged and assaulted by her husband and multiple other men.
A Youth for Freedom Award was introduced for the first time and awarded to “Deel de Duif,” a youth collective working to counter polarization, antisemitism, and anti-Muslim hatred. The Freedom of Worship Award was not publicly disclosed due to "security concerns."
Prime Minister Rob Jetten and other officials attended the ceremony, which was held in the Nieuwe Kerk in Middelburg. Hugo de Jonge, chair of the Roosevelt Foundation, opened the event, emphasizing the Four Freedoms' continued relevance amid global instability.
The awards are based on Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1941 Four Freedoms speech, which defined freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear as universal rights. The awards are presented in Middelburg due to the Roosevelt family’s historical ties to Zeeland, including ancestors from Oud-Vossemeer.
This is the 24th International Four Freedoms Awards ceremony since the program began in 1982. While typically held every two years, a special award was given to former Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers in 1995 after his long tenure, and the 2020 ceremony was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
