EU stands behind Ukraine
Zelensky: “We will win”
February 24, 2024, 3:10 p.m
At an airport, Zelenskyj commemorates the beginning of the Russian invasion with foreign state guests. Even after two years, the Ukrainian president remains confident of victory: “We will win on the best day of our lives.”
On the second anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian head of state Volodymyr Zelenskyj appeared confident of victory. “We will win,” he said at a memorial event at the military airfield in Hostomel near Kiev. “We have been fighting for this for 730 days of our lives,” Zelensky said. “We will win on the best day of our lives.”
At the airfield, Zelensky remembered the victims of the war. The ceremony was also attended by several Western leaders who were visiting Ukraine to mark the anniversary. “Every normal person wants the war to end, but none of us allow our Ukraine to end,” said the head of state against the backdrop of destroyed aircraft. Therefore, the war will only end “on our terms” and with a “just” peace.
Zelensky said he was proud of Ukrainians fighting for their independence. The Ukrainian president also recalled that the battle for the capital Kiev began in Hostomel. “And it was here that he (Russian President Vladimir Putin) suffered his first fundamental defeat,” emphasized Zelensky. Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Zelensky thanked foreign allies for their help in the defensive fight. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Exactly two years ago it seemed as if everything was lost and would fall within a few days.” But thanks to the courage of the Ukrainians, that didn’t happen.
The politician listed what has been achieved over the past two years and highlighted, among other things, the clearing of trade routes in the Black Sea that were blocked by Russia. “The brave people of Ukraine continue to amaze the world,” emphasized von der Leyen. She assured that the EU would continue to support Ukraine. The heads of government of Belgium, Italy and Canada – Alexander De Croo, Giorgia Meloni and Justin Trudeau – also gave speeches at the ceremony. Zelensky then awarded medals to soldiers.