Opening his speech, the President noted that it was a great pleasure for him to visit that beautiful campus in Manhattan, home to so many prominent minds that include Nobel and Pulitzer Prize as well as the Academy Awards winners.

"Today, I take it as an honor but also as a duty to draw your attention – attention of future policy-makers and opinion leaders – to developments in and around Ukraine. To significance of Ukraine for global peace and its role as a defender of democratic values. To Ukraine’s incredible capacities in technology, innovations and human capital," the Head of State emphasized.

The President reminded that a helicopter, passenger jet, space shuttle, genetic code, cornea transplantation and laser diode had been invented by ethnic Ukrainians. He added that Ukrainians had also been among co-founders and inventors in Apple, IMAX, PayPal and WhatsApp and had given birth to many other innovations that have changed our lives in the past years.

"Ukraine, which is implementing reforms and is willing to become an independent, free, democratic and value-oriented country, has to confront neo-imperial expansionism and aggression of Russia. By these actions, Russia has violated all its international obligations under the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris for a New Europe," the President said.

The President emphasized crucial importance of trust and unity of all partners of Ukraine: "I promise that we will build this trust with all our partners".

Much attention has been drawn to the reforms in Ukraine: "We are doing a lot of things that haven't been done for 24 years of our history," the President noted. He mentioned the law enforcement reform and the launch of new police as a symbol of people's trust in the government. He also reminded about the judicial reform and anti-corruption activities.

"We have implemented a unique reform of security sector and created a new army," the Head of State emphasized noting the exceptional role of volunteers and NGOs.

The Head of State informed on foreign experts and alumni of foreign universities who are working now in the Ukrainian Government. He stressed the unique opportunity for young Ukrainians who strive for changes in our country.