PRESIDENT Volodymyr Zelensky has hailed Ukrainians for their “bravery and sacrifice” to mark three years since Vladimir Putin invaded.
The valiant leader has shared a patriotic clip of couragous soldiers fighting the invading Russians and civilians pulling together to mark the sad occasion.
X/@ZelenskyyUaThe clip shows the Ukrainian Motherland Monument lit up in blue[/caption]
X/@ZelenskyyUaUkrainian civilians and soldiers could be seen holding the yellow and blue flag in the clip[/caption]
EPAUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has hailed ‘bravery and sacrifice’ of his compatriots[/caption]
Set to stirring music, Zelensky shared footage of fearless Ukrainian troops fighting over the course of the three years and thanked them.
The clip also shows civilians protesting against Russia, doctors in surgery, and firefighters in bombed-out buildings.
Zelensky says: “Three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude.
“Three years of support. Three years of unity. Three years of assistance.
“Thank you for these three years of us standing together in defense of our state and our people.
“Thank you for every battle Ukraine has won.
“Thank you for every position that we – all Ukrainians – have secured.
“Thank you for our contribution to our shared future.
“Thank you to our warriors for their bravery – you are the best in the world.”
“Three years of full-scale war is a very long time, but the Ukrainian people have defended their right to independence and to a state of their own.”
The clip begins with shocking footage from the start of the conflict of Russian helicopters flying into Ukraine.
But it quickly shifts to Ukrainians tanks blasting the Russian column that tried to storm Kyiv.
Brave Zelensky also hails the strength of Ukrainian civilians who have pulled together to support the war effort and continue their lives as Russia tries to destroy their country.
The clip shows Ukrainian footballers and athletes competing at the Olympics and beating Russians under the neutral flag.
X/ @ZelenskyyUaThe clip begins with Russian helicopters flying into Ukraine[/caption]
X/@ZelenskyyUaUkrainian tanks blast a Russian column[/caption]
Mechanics, factory workers, and drone-makers are all shown in the clip for their important contribution to the war effort.
In a post on X along with the footage, Zelensky says: “Three years of absolute heroism of Ukrainians. I am proud of Ukraine!
“I thank everyone who defends and supports it. Everyone who works for Ukraine.
“And may the memory of all those who gave their lives for our state and people be eternal.”
World leaders are marking the third anniversary in a call that will pledge support for Ukraine and continue to call out Russia.
Some have even gone to Kyiv, like EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and even Boris Johnson.
X/@ZelenskyyUaA Ukrainian soldier flies a flag on a re-captured roof[/caption]
X/@ZelenskyyUaCivilians protest against Russia’s invasion in the clip[/caption]
A bomb has also reportedly exploded inside the Russian consulate in Marseilles on the third anniversary.
An initial reporter claimed that two unknown people reportedly threw Molotov cocktails into the garden of the building.
Zelensky’s touching clip comes after he said he would step down as his country’s leader in exchange for peace or Nato membership.
The Ukrainian president said on Sunday: “If it’s about peace in Ukraine and you really want me to leave my position, I am ready to do that [in exchange for peace].
“Secondly I can exchange it for Nato [membership].
“If there is such an opportunity I’ll do it immediately without a long conversation about it.”
He emphasised that Ukraine’s security was his priority, not staying in office, adding that it was not his “dream” to remain president for a decade.
Zelensky made the pledge after Donald Trump branded him as a “dictator” and sidelined him by starting peace discussions with Russia.
Elections in Ukraine have been banned under martial law amid Putin’s ongoing illegal invasion.
Wrong, Donald
The Sun Says…
DONALD Trump’s smearing of the Ukraine regime as scam artists who provoked a war using US taxpayers’ money is a rant beneath the dignity of his office.
Almost nothing in it is true.
It reads like a post on a forum for conspiracy theorists. It is an unprecedentedly shocking statement from the President of the United States.
Vladimir Putin has made no secret of his imperialist ambitions, nor his denial of his neighbour’s right to exist as a sovereign, free country.
He invaded Ukraine, butchered and raped its people, stole its children and bombed its cities.
President Zelensky — far from duping anyone or inviting the conflict, far from being a “dictator without elections” — has been a heroic wartime leader who needs Western aid to overcome staggering odds.
The idea he is riding a “gravy train” is laughable. And his people, with whom he remains highly popular whatever Trump claims, have resisted conquest with immense bravery.
It is troubling and short-sighted in the extreme for the so-called leader of the free world to have no interest in a war raging in Europe because he is separated from it by the Atlantic.
America is not a business where Trump, as CEO, has no task except to slash costs and maximise profits. It is the most powerful democracy on Earth with global responsibilities and — let’s be frank — a duty to discern right from wrong with absolute moral clarity.
Others in the White House should urgently point this out.
X/@ZelenskyyUaUkrainian soldiers in a trench are almost hit by a rocket[/caption]
ReutersUkrainians have fought back against the Russian Army[/caption]