President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised the “absolute heroism” of the Ukrainian people as his country marks the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
Today, Monday, February 24, 2025, marks three years of the Russia-Ukraine war.
In a post with a video showing the life of ordinary Ukrainians on the frontlines and in daily activities during the war, Zelenkyy noted, “Three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude. Three years of absolute heroism of Ukrainians.”
“I am proud of Ukraine! Thank you to everyone who protects and helps it and may the memory of all those who gave their lives for our state and people be eternal.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The three-year mark of the war in Ukraine came at a sensitive moment for Kyiv as Zelenskyy navigates a rapidly changing international environment upended by changes to US policy by President Donald Trump.
Earlier, Zelenskyy said that he was ready to step down as the President of Ukraine if the country could be a part of NATO.
On Sunday, February 23, 2025, the eve of the war’s three-year anniversary, Zelenskyy met with Ukrainian soldiers and families of the soldiers who have lost their lives in battle.
Zelenskyy presented the “Golden Stars” of the Hero of Ukraine, the “Cross of Military Merit” distinctions, other state awards, battle flags, and “For Courage and Bravery” insignias to military units.
He also handed over 13 apartment certificates to the Heroes of Ukraine and the families of the soldiers who have lost their lives in battle.
“We must do absolutely everything possible and impossible to achieve a real peace with security guarantees for our state, with guarantees of dignity and respect for all our children, for everyone who lives and has lived in Ukraine. And with great respect for all those who gave their lives.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Additionally, Zelenskyy thanked all Ukrainian warriors and their families for keeping Ukraine alive. The participants honored the memory of the fallen defenders with a minute of silence.
Also on Sunday, the eve of the war’s three-year anniversary, Zelenskyy said that Russia had launched 267 drones into Ukraine overnight, more than in any other single attack of the war.
Foreign Leaders Visit Ukraine On War’s Third Anniversary
Meanwhile, a number of leaders from Europe and Canada arrived in Ukraine’s capital by train Monday morning to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
The visitors were greeted at the station by Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha and the President’s Chief of staff, Andrii Yermak.
Among them were European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
In a post on X, von der Leyen wrote that Europe was in Kyiv “because Ukraine is in Europe.” She added, “In this fight for survival, it is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It’s Europe’s destiny.”
António Costa, President of the European Council, posted on social media, “In Ukraine, about Ukraine, with Ukraine,” as he arrived in the capital.
In the latest sign of Europe’s efforts to rework its strategy on Ukraine to respond to Trump’s actions, Costa on Sunday announced that he would convene an emergency summit of the 27 EU leaders in Brussels on March 6, with Ukraine at the top of the agenda.
The guests, also including the Prime Ministers of Northern European countries and Spain, were set to attend events dedicated to the anniversary and discuss supporting Ukraine amid a recent US policy shift under President Donald Trump.
READ ALSO: SEC Extends Deadline for Ecobank and Stanchart to Publish 2024 Financial Statements
