Zelensky Accepts Prestigious Roosevelt Award at Ceremony With Dutch Royals

The Ukrainian president was honored for his country's 'courageous struggle for freedom and democracy' amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:49pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty government building in a European city, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.The award ceremony honoring President Zelensky underscores the global significance of Ukraine's fight for democracy and freedom.NYC Today

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was awarded the prestigious International Four Freedoms Award by the Roosevelt Foundation during a ceremony in the Netherlands. The award, which was also presented to other honorees including the Committee to Protect Journalists and a Dutch youth collective, recognizes Zelensky and the Ukrainian people's 'courageous struggle for freedom and democracy' in the face of Russia's invasion.

Why it matters

The Four Freedoms Award is one of the most prestigious international honors, named after President Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous 1941 speech outlining four essential human rights. Zelensky's acceptance of the award on behalf of Ukraine shines a global spotlight on the country's ongoing fight for independence and democratic values in the face of Russia's authoritarian aggression.

The details

The ceremony was attended by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, Princess Beatrix, and Anne Roosevelt, the granddaughter of FDR. In his acceptance speech, Zelensky drew a direct connection between the freedoms outlined by Roosevelt and the struggles Ukrainians face today, saying, 'This fundamental freedom we still lack - freedom from ruins, freedom from those who bring ruins, freedom from those who seek to destroy everything that matters to normal people.'

  • The ceremony took place on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
  • The Four Freedoms Award is presented in Middelburg, Netherlands on even-numbered years, and in New York on odd-numbered years.

The players

Volodymyr Zelensky

The president of Ukraine, who accepted the International Four Freedoms Award on behalf of the Ukrainian people for their 'courageous struggle for freedom and democracy' amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Anne Roosevelt

The granddaughter of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the chair of the Roosevelt Institute, who presented the award to Zelensky and stated that the war in Ukraine demonstrates the fight for freedom is as urgent today as it was in her grandfather's era.

King Willem-Alexander

The King of the Netherlands, who attended the award ceremony in Middelburg.

Rob Jetten

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, who also attended the award ceremony.

Princess Beatrix

The former Queen of the Netherlands and the mother of the current King, who attended the award ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“The president and the Ukrainian people continue tirelessly to resist and fight for their independence. They are fighting for the security of all of Europe and are defending, with their lives what protects us all: freedom, democracy, and the rule of law over the 'rule of the strongest.'”

— Anne Roosevelt, Chair of the Roosevelt Institute

“This fundamental freedom we still lack - freedom from ruins, freedom from those who bring ruins, freedom from those who seek to destroy everything that matters to normal people.”

— Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine

What’s next

The Roosevelt Foundation plans to continue honoring individuals and organizations fighting for freedom and democracy around the world through the prestigious Four Freedoms Award program.

The takeaway

Zelensky's acceptance of the Four Freedoms Award on behalf of the Ukrainian people underscores the global significance of their ongoing struggle against Russian aggression and the universal importance of defending democratic values and human rights, even in the face of authoritarian threats.