Zelensky promises victory over Russia on protest anniversary
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena at a monument to the people killed during the pro-EU protests of 2013/2014, in Kyiv on Nov 21, 2022.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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KYIV - President Volodymyr Zelensky marked Ukraine’s annual Dignity and Freedom Day on Monday by celebrating the sacrifices made by Ukrainian people since Russia’s invasion and saying his country would endure and prevail.
In a video address to the nation, Mr Zelensky hailed the contributions made by Ukrainians – from soldiers, firefighters and medics to teachers giving online lessons, villagers cooking for the military, tailors sewing uniforms and farmers ploughing their fields despite the risk.
He hailed their defiance despite frequent missile strikes, wide scale destruction,
“We can be left without money. Without gasoline. Without hot water. Without light. But not without freedom,” Mr Zelensky said in an address that he delivered standing in an ornate room in the presidential palace in the capital Kyiv.
The Dignity and Freedom Day marks the pro-European Union protests of 2013/2014 that became known as the Maidan Revolution of Dignity, and the 2004 Orange Revolution.
In both revolutions, Ukraine’s leadership was overthrown.
Highlighting Ukrainians’ defiance, Mr Zelensky’s video included extracts of the address he gave on the anniversary in 2021 when he wore a suit and tie. This year, he wore the khaki T-shirt that has become his trademark during the war.
“What has changed since then (2021)? A lot. Craters appeared on our land. There are roadblocks and anti-tank hedgehogs in our cities and villages. It may be dark on our streets. It may be cold in our homes,” Mr Zelensky said.
“There are many changes, but they have not changed the most important thing. Because the most important thing is not outside, but inside. And it remains unchanged. And that’s why we will hold out. We will endure.”
He said that in the future, Ukrainians would gather on Kyiv’s Independence Square, which was central to the events of 2013/2014 and 2004, “where we will celebrate the Victory Day of Ukraine. In a peaceful Kyiv, in a peaceful Ukraine”. REUTERS
