The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy released an emotional new year speech featuring footages of Russia’s invasions on the country and words of pride for Ukrainians despite attacks, darkness and cold.
In the 17 minute video, Zelenskyy recollected some of the victories of the war, and assured that Ukraine will never surrender and will keep fighting.
“We were told: you have no other option but to surrender. We say: we have no other option than to win,” said Zelenskiy, dressed in his trademark outfit and standing in darkness with the Ukrainian flag fluttering behind.
“We fight as one team – the whole country, all our regions. I admire you all.”
A few minutes after Zelenskyy’s speech was released, numerous blasts were heard in the capital and around the country.
The attacks followed a barrage of more than 20 cruise missiles fired across Ukraine on Saturday – and many bombardments earlier.
As the war drags into its 11th month, Moscow was unprepared for the staunch resistance and billions of dollars in Western weapons that have turned the tide in Ukraine’s favour.
Russian troops have been forced out of more than half the territory they took in the first weeks of what Putin calls a “special military operation” to “denazify” and demilitarise Ukraine.
Zelenskyy promised the return of lands Moscow proclaimed it had annexed in September.
“It’s impossible to forget. And it’s impossible to forgive. But it’s possible to win,” he said.
While listing Ukraine’s successes, Zelenskyy referred to the Crimean Bridge, Moscow’s symbol of the annexation of the peninsula that linked it with Russia and that was torn by an explosion in October.
“This year has struck our hearts. We’ve cried out all the tears. We’ve shouted all the prayers,” Zelenskyy said.
“We fight and will continue to fight. For the sake of the key word: ‘victory’.”