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VOLODYMYR Zelensky right this moment vowed “2023 would be the 12 months of victory” in a defiant message of hope on the primary anniversary of the invasion.
As daybreak broke on the sombre day and the specter of recent missiles strikes loomed over the nation, the heroic Ukrainian president pledged to defeat “evil” Putin.
Zelensky stated courageous Ukrainians had confirmed themselves to be “invincible” in a “12 months of ache, sorrow, religion and the unity”.
“On February 24, hundreds of thousands of us made a selection,” he stated.
“Not a white flag, however the blue and yellow one.
“Not fleeing, however dealing with. Resisting & combating. It was a 12 months of ache, sorrow, religion, and unity.


“And this 12 months, we remained invincible. We all know that 2023 would be the 12 months of our victory!”
Because the brutal struggle enters a second year, Ukrainians will maintain commemorations throughout their war-ravaged nation.
Putin surprised the world on February 24 final 12 months by sending troops throughout the border – in a transfer seen as punishment for Kyiv’s pivot to the West.
Because the battle towards Putin’s forces rages on, Zelensky will maintain a information convention later right this moment to mark the bitter milestone.
One of many ceremonies shall be held within the decimated town of Bucha, whereas clergymen will lead prayers for peace.
“Evil remains to be round, and the battle continues,” Zelensky stated on Thursday.
“However we all know for certain that it’ll finish with our victory.”
The struggle has devastated enormous areas of Ukraine and displaced hundreds of thousands – and Zelensky’s troopers at the moment are braced for a Russian spring offensive.
Deluded Putin expected to defeat Ukraine in three days after his troops stormed the nation final 12 months.
He ordered his forces to invade Ukraine within the perception he might safe a lightning victory by seizing the capital Kyiv and “decapitating” the management.
However heroic Ukrainian resistance thwarted the Russians, whose goals of fast victory quickly changed into the nightmare – with practically 150,000 of Vlad’s troopers now mendacity useless.
Ukrainian intelligence has warned of doable new assaults from Moscow, together with missile strikes.
Putin is feared to be readying a launch of the Devil-2 missile to coincide with the Kremlin’s new offensive.
A whole lot of hundreds of troopers are stated to be gearing up for the assault.
Ukrainians are bracing for an offensive set to incorporate 1,800 tanks, 3,950 armoured autos, 400 fighter jets and 300 helicopters incoming from Russia.
Former FSB chief Common Yevgeny Savostyanov claimed Putin is “terribly scared” as he marks the primary anniversary of his invasion.
“Putin completely understands the temper of people that have misplaced every thing due to him,” he stated.
“Putin is now terribly scared. He understands that he’s in bother.”
Savostyanov stated the Russian tyrant is now “clinging to any alternative to win”.
On Thursday, the UN voted overwhelmingly to demand Russia “instantly” and “unconditionally” withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
And this week, Joe Biden surprised the world by visiting war-time Kyiv to pledge new arms deliveries.
“One 12 months later, Kyiv stands. Ukraine stands,” he stated.
“Democracy stands. America – and the world – stands with Ukraine.”
Within the UK, a one minute’s silence will happen at 11am to pay tribute to courageous Ukrainians, whereas MPs and diplomats pray at a Ukrainian Catholic cathedral.
For ever and ever for the struggle, PM Rishi Sunak will urge his fellow world leaders to “transfer quicker” in arming Ukraine’s troops.
Mr Sunak will host members of the Ukrainian armed forces in Downing Avenue in addition to ambassador Vadym Prystaiko.
He may even grasp a blue and yellow wreath on the door of No 10.


Crowds gathered in Trafalgar Sq. on Thursday night, the place Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and different audio system praised the bravery of Ukrainian fighters.
In Paris, the Eiffel Tower is illuminated within the yellow and blue colors of the Ukrainian flag.
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