It is the second anniversary of the Russian attack on Ukraine. President Zelenskyj is confident of victory. His country would win the war, he said at a meeting with Western politicians in Kiev.
On the second anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian head of state Volodymyr Zelenskyj appeared confident of victory. “We will win,” he said at a memorial event at the military airfield in Hostomel near Kiev. “We have been fighting for this for 730 days of our lives,” Zelensky said. “We will win on the best day of our lives.”
The ceremony was also attended by several Western leaders who traveled to Ukraine to mark the anniversary. Zelensky received EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo at the Hostomel military air base.
“The brave people of Ukraine amaze the world”
In his speech, Zelensky praised the courage of Ukrainians and remembered the victims of the war. “Every normal person wants the war to end, but none of us will allow our Ukraine to end,” the president said. He thanked foreign allies for their help in the fight against Russia.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Exactly two years ago it seemed as if everything was lost and would fall within a few days.” But thanks to the courage of the Ukrainians, that didn’t happen. “The brave people of Ukraine continue to amaze the world,” emphasized von der Leyen. She assured that the EU would continue to support Ukraine.
Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022
The Russian army invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022 on the orders of Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin. Hostomel was captured by Russian units in the first days of the war, but were later driven out by the Ukrainian army. After more than a year of deadlocked fighting, Moscow is now going on the offensive again, especially in eastern Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers are increasingly suffering from a lack of ammunition. Zelenskyj repeatedly calls for accelerated deliveries of ammunition and weapons. The sanctions imposed by the West against Moscow because of the war have not yet had the desired effect.
Stoltenberg: “We must not lose courage”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg once again assured Ukraine of a future as a member of the defense alliance. “Today it is two years since Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said in a video message. “This began the largest war in Europe since the Second World War.” The situation on the battlefield is “still extremely serious” and with regard to Russian President Putin, there are no signs of an imminent peace. “But we must not lose heart.”
Ukraine has repeatedly demonstrated remarkable skill and fighting determination, said the NATO chief. The fact that Ukraine has retained its freedom and independence is due to its courage and determination – and to the “military and economic support of NATO allies.” With his war, Putin achieved the opposite of what he wanted, explained Stoltenberg. “Ukraine is now closer to NATO than ever before.” Ukraine will join the alliance, he emphasized. The question is not if, but when this will happen.
Scholz reiterates support for Ukraine
On the occasion of the anniversary, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for greater efforts in Germany and Europe to ensure effective defense. Russia is trampling on the principle that borders should not be changed by force, said Scholz in his weekly video address. “Russia is not only attacking Ukraine, but is also destroying the peace order in Europe.”
The Chancellor promised continued support for Ukraine. This will happen “for as long as necessary,” explained Scholz. At the same time, he admitted that the Bundeswehr had been neglected for many years. “Since the turn of the century, this has been over,” the SPD politician continued. “And we, Germany and Europe, are doing more – and must do more – so that we can defend ourselves effectively.”
“He doesn’t want peace”
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock accused Russian President Putin of a lack of willingness to negotiate and make peace. “As shocking as it is: Putin doesn’t want negotiations. He doesn’t want peace – he wants ‘conquests’. He says that himself,” wrote Baerbock in a guest article for the Bild newspaper.
The Green politician urgently called on Russia’s rulers to end the war. “Release the Ukrainian children. Withdraw your troops. End this war. Then tomorrow there would be peace. And the whole world could finally breathe a sigh of relief again.” The Foreign Minister sharply rejected criticism of arms deliveries to Ukraine. Anyone who claims that arms deliveries prolong the war is playing into Putin’s hands.
Anniversary protest in Moscow
Meanwhile, several people, including journalists, were arrested in Moscow during a protest by relatives of Russian soldiers. In videos from the independent media Sota and Sotavision on the online service Telegram you could see police officers taking people away. Two of those arrested wore yellow vests with the words “Press” crossed out. Sotavison said two of her reporters were among those arrested.
One protest participant told Sota that even laying flowers “these days is an expression of an attitude that carries certain risks.” The wives and partners of soldiers deployed in Ukraine have been demonstrating on Red Square in Moscow for several weeks as part of the women’s organization “Put Domoi” (“Way Home”) for the return of their relatives.
The anger of the relatives of reservists mobilized by President Putin in September 2022 has been growing for months. While the authorities have increasingly taken action against dissidents since the beginning of the Russian offensive in Ukraine, the police have not yet intervened in the women’s protests.
Jakob Mayr, ARD Brussels, tagesschau, February 24, 2024 1:25 p.m