Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has failed to achieve his war objectives in four years, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday, the 24th of February, in a video address marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“Putin has not achieved his goals. He has not broken the Ukrainians. He has not won this war. We have preserved Ukraine, and we will do everything to achieve peace — and ensure justice,” Zelensky stated.
“We want peace. A strong, dignified and lasting peace,” the Ukrainian president stressed, adding that any agreement “must not simply be signed — it must be accepted by Ukrainians.”
“Today marks exactly four years since Putin planned to take Kyiv in three days.
And that truly says a lot about our resistance, about how Ukraine has fought all this time. Behind these words stand millions of our people. Behind these words stand great courage, very hard work, resilience and the long path Ukraine has traveled since the 24th of February [2022],” Zelensky said.
“Our people did not raise the white flag, but defended the blue and yellow one. And the occupiers, who thought they would be greeted here with lines of flowers, instead saw lines at military enlistment offices. Our people chose resistance,” the Ukrainian president said.
“No one knows what tomorrow will bring, but everyone understands — every tomorrow must be fought for,” Zelensky added.
Read also: Four years since Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine; only 0.79% of Ukrainian territory seized last year
