Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the spirit and resilience of his country in the face of Russian forces during a speech addressed to the public today, Thursday, on the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day. A sense of calm prevailed during the anniversary celebration, marking exactly 18 months since the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, which resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands, displaced millions from their homes, and destroyed towns across Ukraine.
In a speech filmed in front of government buildings in central Kyiv, Zelensky thanked Ukrainians—soldiers, workers, and journalists—for their contributions to defending the country and urged them to reflect on their role in Ukraine's independence. He added, "In a great war, there are no small actions... There are no unnecessary or unimportant actions." He continued, "Everyone is important in this battle. Because this is a struggle for something important to everyone, which is an independent Ukraine."
Fighting did not cease on Thursday. Local Ukrainian officials reported that at least one person was killed and 16 others were injured in Russian attacks. Moscow claimed that air defense systems shot down three Ukrainian drones over Russian territories. The counter-offensive to reclaim Russian-occupied territories has entered its third month and is progressing slower than expected by Western officials and Ukrainians, but Zelensky pledged on Wednesday to restore all occupied territories.
### Hope Amid Difficulties
Zelensky focused on current events in his speech more than on the declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The Russian invasion last year ignited enthusiasm among Ukrainians, inspiring many to volunteer for the military, donate, or support the cause in other ways.
Ukrainians celebrated Thursday in downtown Kyiv, where wreckage of destroyed Russian military equipment was displayed along the main Khreshchatyk Street. The celebrants expressed feelings of exhaustion but also conveyed hope for eventual victory. Svetlana, a 71-year-old nurse, referred to what Russia claimed would be a swift takeover of the Ukrainian capital, stating, "They wanted to seize Kyiv in three days, and now their tanks are here."
Like many others walking through the capital, Svetlana was wearing an embroidered traditional shirt. Oleksandr, a 41-year-old Kyiv resident, stood near a destroyed Russian military vehicle and said, "I hope our spirit does not wane... because everything happening is exhausting." He added, "But we have to keep our vitality and bring this situation to a reasonable conclusion."
