Zelensky Marks 1st Anniversary of War: "The Light of Victory is Visible"

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, stated on the 24th (local time) marking the first anniversary of Russia's invasion, "The light of victory is visible."

In a national address that day, President Zelensky said, "Despite the ongoing large-scale missile attacks and ceasefires, victory is visible even in the darkness."

He continued, "Ukraine has neither abandoned nor forgotten you," adding, "We will liberate all territories one way or another."

President Zelensky emphasized, "We will do everything to ensure those who had to leave abroad return, and we will fight for every soldier taken prisoner to come back," stating, "All of this will be our victory."

He also said, "We will never forgive (Russia). We will never rest until the Russian murderers are punished."

Referring to the outbreak of the war on February 24 last year, Zelensky said, "It was the longest day of our lives and the hardest day in modern history," raising his voice, "Many went to get weapons and formed ranks. We did not raise the white flag and protected the blue and yellow flag (the Ukrainian national flag)."

President Zelensky stated, "Ukraine surprised the world. Ukraine inspired the world. Ukraine united the world."

He then mentioned Western-supported High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Abrams, Challenger, Leopard tanks, NASAMS surface-to-air missiles, IRIS-T air-to-air missiles, and expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you to all partners, allies, and friends who have stood with us."

Furthermore, he said, "We have overcome all threats, bombardments, cluster munitions, cruise missiles, suicide drones, ceasefires, and cold. We are stronger than them," adding, "The past year has been a year of recovery and care, bravery, pain, hope, endurance, unity, an invincible year, an angry invincible year."

He also emphasized, "The important result is that we endured. We did not lose. And this year, we will do everything to achieve victory."

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