At each solemn commemoration for a year, there is never any question, in kyiv, in the face of a Russian threat that remains dizzying despite Moscow’s setbacks, of fragility or doubt. In such moments, it is only a matter of resistance, pride and determination in Ukraine. And the inevitable victory to come.
This Friday, February 24, the day of the first anniversary of the invasion of the country by the Russian army, did not escape what has become a rule of conduct. The Ukrainian presidency had chosen to celebrate what it baptized “the year of invincibility”.
Often at the forefront of this spirit of resistance, the Ukrainian Post has for example decided to issue a new stamp featuring a fresco drawn by the British artist Banksy on a destroyed wall in the city of Borodianka. The work depicts a (Ukrainian) child doing a judo hold and knocking down a (Russian) man who we readily imagine to be Russian President Vladimir Putin, himself a black belt in judo and who has often on stage practicing this martial art. The stamp bears the initials “PTN PNK” for, in Ukrainian, “Putin, fuck you”. Either the adaptation of the now famous phrase, on the first day of war, of the defenders of Serpents’ Island refusing to capitulate and who had responded, under the threat of cannons, “Russian warship, fuck you!” »before being bombarded and taken into captivity.
The Head of State, Volodymyr Zelensky, opened this commemorative day, during which Ukrainians went both to the cemetery to pay homage to their dead and to cultural events on the war year, with a video message to his fellow citizens . He promised that after “the year of invincibility”during which Ukraine valiantly resisted the Russian assaults, the second year of the war would be that of “the inevitable victory”.
Mr. Zelensky spoke at length about February 24, 2022, “the longest day of our lives, the hardest in our modern history”. “We woke up early and haven’t slept since. We did not raise the white flag and defended our blue and yellow flag. We weren’t broken, we weren’t surrendered”he said, also taking up the symbolic image of the soldiers of Serpents’ Island, a subject of national worship.
Zelensky: “Fighting for the security of Europe”
After listing the main political and military stages of“a year of resilience, caring, courage, pain, hope, unity” during which “Ukraine has surprised, inspired and united the world”the president promised ” victory “ For ” This year “ 2023.
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