"730 days of courage, which is hardened wherever our soldiers fight" — Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Hostomel, Ukraine (Svidomi) — On the second year mark of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy recorded a video message from Hostomel, where the Russians had planned to launch their seizure of Kyiv.
"Two years ago, we encountered the enemy landing force here with fire, two years later, we meet our friends and partners here," Zelenskyy said.
In Hostomel, he welcomed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.
"This is a symbolic and eloquent description of the path we have travelled over these two years. And the difference between February 24 then and now," the President of Ukraine said.
He recalled how Ukrainians united after February 24, 2022, "first in queues at the military registration and enlistment offices, and later in the same trench, those who stayed in Ukraine and worked, those who left and later returned.”
"We are 730 days closer to victory... millions of Ukrainians simply remember Kobzar's words: Keep fighting – you are sure to win! And they have lived by these words for 730 days of dedication and courage. They are steeled, in the east, south, north — in all areas where our soldiers are fighting,"
Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian president thanked the soldiers, civilians, and everyone in the world who stands "next to Ukraine and the truth".
"Any sane person wants the war to end. But none of us will allow Ukraine to cease to exist. That is why we add 'on our terms' to the words 'end of the war'. The word "peace" is always followed by "just". In future history, the word 'independent' will always be next to the word 'Ukraine'," Zelenskyy summed up.
