When Ukrainian soldiers liberated the city of Bucha from Russian occupation exactly two years ago, they found many bodies. President Zelenskyj remembered the dead – and called for perseverance.
For many people, the city of Bucha is a symbol of the horrors of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which violates international law. On the anniversary, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and several foreign ambassadors commemorated the victims of the 33-day Russian occupation at the beginning of the major Russian invasion two years ago.
Zelenskyj calls the world for help
The dead in Bucha are evidence that no one in the world can stay out of this war, said Zelensky. By defending the people and the country, humanity will prevail. As a reminder, Zelensky left a lamp on the Wall of Remembrance.
Many relatives of victims from Bucha and fallen Ukrainian soldiers also took part in the memorial event. A memorial lists the names of the 509 civilians identified so far who were killed during the occupation.
After the liberation of the city just outside Kiev, Ukrainian soldiers found the bodies of men, women and children in the streets, houses, gardens and mass graves. Some showed signs of torture.
There are now also graves of fallen soldiers in the Butscha cemetery – evidence of the high death toll.
“Our spirit does not give up”
The Ukrainian president had previously called on his compatriots to persevere in an Easter message. Not a day goes by without Russian terror shaking life in Ukraine, said Zelensky. “We defend ourselves, we stand firm,” he said. “Our spirit does not give up and knows that death can be averted. Life can prevail.”
Easter celebrated by some Ukrainian Christians is a reminder that the power of the spirit can defeat evil, he said in a message shared on social networks.
The Catholic, Protestant and Greek Orthodox Christians of Ukraine celebrate Easter according to the Gregorian calendar. However, the majority of Orthodox Christians in the country follow the Julian calendar, according to which Easter falls on May 5 this year.
Difficult military situation in Ukraine
Zelenskyj recently replaced several advisors in his environment – a continuation of many reshuffles in Ukraine’s political and military leadership in recent months. Among those affected is his assistant Serhij Schefir, who has held the post since 2019. According to Ukrainian media, a press spokesman justified the layoffs with an “optimization of staff” in the presidential office.
The military situation for the Ukrainian army continues to deteriorate. Russian forces are advancing slowly but steadily in the east of the country. Ukraine also apparently lacks trained soldiers – but more extensive mobilization is politically controversial. The military problems are made more difficult by halting and declining Western aid.