"Four years have passed since Putin said he would capture Kyiv in three days" — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation with a video message on the occasion of the four-year anniversary of the war. The address was sent from a bunker used during air raid alerts and where his office is located.

 

According to the President's words, on February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to capture Kyiv in three days.

 

"Today marks exactly four years since Putin was supposed to capture Kyiv in three days. And this says a lot about our resistance, about Ukraine's struggle during this time. Behind these words stand millions of our people, great courage, hard work, resilience, and the long path Ukraine has traversed since February 24," said the Ukrainian President.

 

In the video address, the President recalled events in the bunker, such as the work routine and how hundreds of people in the bunker in the early days of the war were engaged daily in military meetings and strategic decisions, conducting phone and video negotiations with world leaders, and resolving issues of weapons, medicine, and food supply.

 

Zelenskyy also emphasized the unity of the Ukrainian people, stating that they did not raise a white flag but defended the blue and yellow flag. The President noted the severe impact of the war and stressed the necessity of creating peace and a stable future.

 

Over the 1,462 days of the war, the courage of the Ukrainian people and their dedication to defending independence have served as an example to the world community. Zelenskyy called on all Ukrainians to maintain unity and to resist firmly until the war ends.

 

"We defended our independence, we did not lose our state, Putin failed to achieve his goals. He could not break the Ukrainian people. We are taking all measures to achieve peace and justice. Ukraine deserves glory!" emphasized the Ukrainian leader.