Ukrainian President Declares the 16th, the Alleged Date of Russian Invasion, as 'Day of Unity'

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared February 16, the date Western countries including the United States anticipate as the start of Russia's invasion, as a "Day of Unity," strongly expressing his determination to resist.

On the 14th (local time), President Zelensky stated in a national video address, "They say the 16th will be the day (Russia) attacks," adding, "We will make this day a Day of Unity." He continued, "They are trying to intimidate us by pinpointing another date for the start of military operations," emphasizing, "On that day, we will display our flags, wear yellow and blue flags on our bodies, sing the national anthem, and show the world our unity."

Accordingly, the Ukrainian presidential office announced plans to raise the national flag in every village and city across Ukraine on the 16th, order all citizens to sing the national anthem at 10 a.m., and increase the wages of soldiers and border guards. This strongly expressed the determination to resist Russia's invasion to both domestic and international audiences.

President Zelensky also urged government officials, politicians, and entrepreneurs who recently left Ukraine to return within 24 hours and demonstrate unity with the people. Currently, as Western countries including the United States are successively relocating embassies and evacuating their nationals, many politicians and entrepreneurs are reportedly rushing to leave the country.

President Zelensky reiterated, "In this situation, being with the Ukrainian people is your direct duty," and proposed, "Return to your homeland within 24 hours and stand shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian military and our people."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.