Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday announced his determination to prevail as the war with Russia entered its third year. Speaking at an open-air event in Kyiv, Zelenskyy stated, “We have been fighting for 730 days of our lives. We will win on the greatest day of our lives.”
As reported by the news agency AFP, Zelenskyy said that the war must end “on our terms”, with a “just” peace.
According to AFP, accompanied by the leaders of Canada, Italy, Belgium, and EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen, Zelenskyy marked the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion. At Kyiv’s Gostomel airport, where Russia first targeted its invasion, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the support, hugged the leaders, and presented medals to soldiers.
Global Leaders Offer Support To Ukraine On 2nd War Anniversary
On the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, global leaders voiced their solidarity with Ukraine:
According to Reuters, US President Joe Biden affirmed NATO’s commitment, stating, “The brave people of Ukraine fight on, unbowed in their determination to defend their freedom and future.”
One year after I touched down in Kyiv – Ukraine still stands.
When Putin ordered his tanks to roll into Ukraine, he thought the world would roll over. But the Ukrainians were too strong. Our coalition too unified. And Democracy too durable.
Let’s keep proving him wrong. pic.twitter.com/K9os7s0y4l
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 23, 2024
Moldovan President Maia Sandu thanked Ukrainians and emphasised the need for enduring support, saying, “In these two years, the free world has shown unprecedented solidarity, yet the war persists; our support must endure fiercely”.
Today marks two years of Russia’s war against Ukraine. I thank Ukrainians for their tireless fight for freedom and for protecting peace in Moldova too.
In these two years, the free world has shown unprecedented solidarity, yet the war persists; our support must endure fiercely. pic.twitter.com/3VCgecFK1A
— Maia Sandu (@sandumaiamd) February 24, 2024
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, speaking near Kyiv, called the location a symbol of Ukrainian pride and vowed to defend it, according to Reuters.
In diretta da Kiev, gli interventi del Presidente @GiorgiaMeloni, del Presidente ucraino @ZelenskyyUa, del Presidente della Commissione Ue @vonderleyen, del Primo Ministro del Belgio @alexanderdecroo e del Primo Ministro del Canada @JustinTrudeauhttps://t.co/FSqzdk4478
— Palazzo_Chigi (@Palazzo_Chigi) February 24, 2024
Polish PM Donald Tusk condemned Russian aggression, stating, “Two years of Ukrainian heroism. Two years of Russian barbarism. Two years of disgrace of those who remain indifferent”.
Two years of Ukrainian heroism. Two years of Russian barbarism. Two years of disgrace of those who remain indifferent.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) February 24, 2024
EU President Ursula Von Der Leyen said, “More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine. Financially, economically, militarily, morally. Until the country is finally free”.
In Kyiv to mark the anniversary of the 2nd year of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
And to celebrate the extraordinary resistance of the Ukrainian people.
More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine.
Financially, economically, militarily, morally.
Until the country is finally free. pic.twitter.com/ZLWMbOxVFh
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 24, 2024
As reported by Reuters, British PM Rishi Sunak reiterated support, stating, “We will stand with Ukraine today and tomorrow. We are prepared to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes until they prevail”.
Polish President Andrzej Duda said, “We have supported, support, and will support Ukraine in its fight for freedom!”
Two years ago to date, in the evening of 23 February, I was leaving Kyiv. I was there to support Ukraine. Nothing has changed in this respect. Poland supported, is supporting and will continue to support the fight for Ukraine’s freedom.🇵🇱🤝🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/dx4sRho7Ev
— Andrzej Duda (@AndrzejDuda) February 23, 2024
Romanian PM Marcel Ciolacu said, “Commemorating today 2 years of [Russia’s] war of aggression against Ukraine. We stand united and in full solidarity with [Ukraine], until it achieves victory and a just peace”.
Commemorating today 2 years of RU war of aggression against Ukraine. We stand united and in full solidarity with UA, until it achieves victory and a just peace. Together with my team at @GuvernulRo we will continue to work thoroughly for a solid bilateral relationship with UA.
— Marcel Ciolacu (@CiolacuMarcel) February 24, 2024
