KYIV (Reuters) – President Volodymyr Zelenskiy praised the resilience and defiance of Ukraine against Russian forces in a speech on Thursday commemorating Ukraine’s Independence Day. The anniversary, which took place 18 months after Russia’s full-scale invasion, has resulted in the death of tens of thousands of individuals, displacement of millions, and significant destruction across Ukraine.
Speaking in front of government buildings in central Kyiv in a video address, Zelenskiy expressed gratitude towards Ukrainians belonging to various sectors, including soldiers, utilities workers, and journalists, for their efforts in defending the country. He urged them to reflect on their contributions towards Ukraine’s independence, emphasizing the importance of every individual’s role in this fight.
“In a big war, there are no small deeds,” Zelenskiy stated. “No unnecessary ones, no unimportant ones.” He stated that everyone plays a significant role in this fight, as it is a fight for the independence of Ukraine.
Despite the occasion, the fighting did not cease on Thursday. Local Ukrainian authorities reported one fatality and 16 injuries in Russian attacks, while Moscow claimed to have downed three Ukrainian drones over Russian regions using air defense systems.
The counteroffensive aimed at reclaiming Russian-occupied territory has been ongoing for the past three months. Although progress has been slower than expected, Zelenskiy pledged on Wednesday to regain all occupied areas.
In his address, Zelenskiy focused primarily on current events rather than the 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. Russia’s invasion last year ignited a sense of unity among Ukrainians and led to an influx of volunteers joining the military, providing donations to the army, or assisting in other ways.
Ukrainians celebrating in downtown Kyiv, where remnants of destroyed Russian military vehicles were displayed along Khreshchatyk Street, expressed weariness but maintained hope for victory. Svitlana, a 71-year-old nurse, remarked, “They wanted to take Kyiv in three days, and now their tanks are here,” referring to Russia’s initial plans of swift capture. Many individuals, including Svitlana, were adorned in traditional embroidered shirts while crossing the city’s boulevards and streets.
Oleksandr, a 41-year-old Kyiv resident, acknowledged the exhaustion caused by the ongoing situation but stressed the need to preserve their determination and bring the conflict to a satisfactory conclusion. He stood near a destroyed Russian army vehicle as he shared his sentiments.
(Reporting by Yurii Khomenko and Stefaniia Bern; Writing by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Timothy Heritage)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
