Volodymyr Zelenskyy Makes Surprise Speech at 2023 Johns Hopkins Commencement

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine addressed Johns Hopkins University’s Class of 2023 via livestream Thursday, May 25, during JHU’s Commencement ceremony, delivering a moving speech to the assembled graduates about the indispensable ideals of freedom, self-determination, and democracy and his nation’s ongoing fight to defend those ideals in the face of foreign aggression. Zelenskyy’s remarks were broadcast live on giant screens next to the stage at Homewood Field, where graduates, family, and friends gathered for Commencement. Almost no one in attendance knew in advance that Zelenskyy would be the speaker—their first hint was the appearance of the distinctive blue and yellow flag of Ukraine in an introductory video. Learn more at: