Combatants and citizens celebrated Ukraine’s independence day with fierce words and the assurance of triumph in destroyed towns and on the front lines of the country’s fight against Russia’s invasion troops.
This Independence Day, which would typically be a time for celebrations commemorating the end of Soviet control in 1991, was held six months to the day after Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered his soldiers across the border.
Millions of people have left their homes, many have died, and bombings have destroyed entire cities.
The day, however, also served to reinforce Ukrainians’ commitment and the West’s support for their fight.
Mkyta Nadtochii, commander of the Azov Regiment, said “Our nation has become more conscious and, thus, stronger, to finally give a devastating response and forever punish the (Russian) criminals,”
It played a significant role in the bloody battles of Mariupol, a port city, and the siege of the Azovstal steelworks, which were ultimately taken by the Russians.
“We are certainly going to win… A steel spirit has been born out of the ashes,” he said.
Only a few locals ventured outside on Wednesday in the curfew-enforced city of Kramatorsk in the eastern Donetsk region. Some of the war’s worst combat has taken place in the Donbas area, which includes Donetsk.
“Everything is closed, the factories are closed, so there is no work.” said a man who identified himself only as Artem.
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second city, was under curfew after months of bombing, despite days of warnings that Moscow may use the anniversary to launch more missile assaults on urban areas, while Kyiv was silent.
Russia claims the fighting is a “special military operation,” although it denies specifically targeting civilians.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his wife Olena Zelenska attended prayers at Saint Sophia Cathedral to commemorate Ukraine’s independence and also paid respects at various memorials to those who have lost their lives.
“We will not sit down at the negotiating table (with Russia) out of fear, with a gun pointed at our heads. For us, the most terrible iron is not missiles, aircraft and tanks, but shackles… “Zelenskiy stated in a speech to the country.
“What for us is the end of the war? We used to say: peace. Now we say: victory.”
One of Ukraine’s most outspoken supporters, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, personally appeared at Zelenskiy’s side in Kyiv.
He hailed Ukraine for its “indomitable” fight and stressed the need of Europe continuing to help Ukraine militarily and economically.
The presidents of France and Germany also expressed their support and encouragement, and in the case of the United States, they made a fresh security assistance package announcement that included the announcement of roughly $3 billion in military aid.
Olaf Scholz, the chancellor of Germany, stated that his nation will likewise train Ukrainian soldiers and supply weaponry “month after month.”
Ursula Von Der Leyen, president of the European Commission, promised assistance from the European Union to help Ukraine recover from the war.
“Together with you we will rebuild your cities, brick by brick, and replant your gardens and fields, seed by seed… Europe is with you today and in the long run, “she said
