Second year war in Ukraine that claimed hundreds thousands of lives
2023.02.24 06:58
Second year war in Ukraine that claimed hundreds thousands of lives
By Kristina Sobol
Budrigannews.com – On Friday, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, delivered a solemn message of defiance to his people and shed tears for the thousands of soldiers who had perished as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The 45-year-old spoke to members of Ukraine’s armed forces and a small group of dignitaries in St. Sophia Square, next to the green-and-gold-domed cathedral that is a symbol of the city’s resilience. It was a cold, cloudy morning in Kyiv.
“To all of you who are fighting for Ukraine, I want to say that I am proud of you. We are all extremely pleased with you!”
Zelenskiy, as he has done throughout the war, held back tears during the 30-minute ceremony as he presented Hero of Ukraine awards to troops, one of whom was on crutches, and the mother of a deceased soldier.
As a band sang the national anthem, he wept. During the moment of silence, the people present bowed their heads.
Zelenskiy maintains a high level of popularity in Ukraine by engaging with the populace through smartphone-filmed daily messages and attempting to maintain international support through weapons and financial assistance.
For the occasion, he recorded a nearly 15-minute special address titled “The Year of Invincibility” in which he pledged to defeat the adversary.
He recalled the first day of what has become Europe’s worst conflict since World War II, saying, “A year ago on this day, from this same place, around seven in the morning, I addressed you with a brief statement, lasting only 67 seconds.”
“We are sturdy. Anything is possible for us. Everyone will be defeated by us. On February 24, 2022, it began in this manner. The day we have lived the longest. the most difficult day in recent history for our nation. We got up very early and haven’t slept since.”
Over 100,000 people are thought to have been killed or wounded on both sides, according to Western military officials. Additionally, it is feared that tens of thousands of civilians have perished, and millions of people have fled the threat of fighting.
According to Zelenskiy, “Almost everyone has at least one contact in their phone who will never pick up the phone again.” He who refuses to respond to the text message “How are you?” During the war’s first year, these two straightforward phrases acquired a new meaning.”
The conflict, which Moscow refers to as a “special military operation” to safeguard its security, has evolved into trench warfare in the east and south after Ukrainian forces stopped Russia’s attempt to advance on Kyiv early in 2022.
As of late, Russia has additionally designated Ukraine’s power framework, causing power outages and loss of water and intensity for millions the nation over.
The odds of putting an end to the fighting are bleak given that the leaders of the two countries are refusing to back down.
Zelenskiy gave his people praise.
He declared, “We became one big army.” We are now a team in which everyone finds, packs, and brings, but everyone also contributes.
“We are able to withstand all threats, including shelling, cluster bombs, cruise missiles, kamikaze drones, power outages, and the cold. He stated, “We are stronger than that.” We did not succumb. In addition, we will do everything in our power to win this year!”
