by Olena Harmash
KYIV (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky said on Friday he was ready to do anything “to achieve victory this year”, as the war in Ukraine entered its second year on Friday, with no discernable end to what Russia presents as a “special military operation” and which Kyiv and the West denounce as an invasion.
The 45-year-old head of state addressed members of Ukraine’s armed forces and a small gathering of dignitaries in Hagia Sophia Square on a cold, cloudy morning in Kyiv.
“I want to say to all of you who are fighting for Ukraine (….) I am proud of you. We are all, each and every one, proud of you!”
Volodimir Zelensky spoke during a 30-minute ceremony, choking back his emotion as he bestowed Hero of Ukraine titles on soldiers.
The Head of State had tears in his eyes as the orchestra played the national anthem, and those present followed a minute’s silence.
Volodimir Zelensky remains very popular in Ukraine. He communicates with the population through daily messages filmed on a smartphone and tries to maintain international support in the form of financial aid and weapons.
He also presented state awards to military chaplains at the historic Lavra of the Caves Monastery in Kyiv, visited wounded soldiers in a hospital and received Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
Poland allowed millions of refugees to pass through Ukraine at the start of the war and has been a close ally throughout the conflict.
Warsaw announced on Friday that it had delivered a first batch of four Leopard tanks to Kyiv.
“WE HAVE NOT SLEEP SINCE”
As the country enters its second year of conflict, the presidential office has released a nearly 15-minute special speech entitled “The Year of Invincibility”.
“A year ago today, from this very place, around seven o’clock in the morning, I addressed you in a short speech that lasted only 67 seconds,” said Volodimir Zelensky.
“We are strong. We are ready for anything (…) This is how it all started on February 24, 2022. The longest day of our lives. The most difficult day in our recent history. woke up early and haven’t slept since.”
Western military officials estimate casualties on both sides at more than 100,000 killed or wounded. The death of tens of thousands of civilians is also feared, while millions have fled the threat of fighting.
“Almost everyone has at least one contact in their phone that will never pick up again,” said Volodimir Zelensky.
“We resist all threats, bombings, cluster bombs, cruise missiles, suicide drones, power cuts and cold weather. We are stronger than that,” he said. “We have not been defeated. And we will do everything to win this year!”
(Written by Mike Collett-White, French version Kate Entringer, editing by Matthieu Protard)
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