Russia-Ukraine War Anniversary: Ukrainians Mourn For Losses, Renew Vow To Defend Country

As the Russia-Ukraine war marks one year, Ukrainians paid respect to their loved ones and swore to win the fight against invaders.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was scheduled to take part in a virtual meeting with US officials, per an Reuters report.

Western and Japanese politicians, including US President Joe Biden, praised Ukraine for having a "year of invincibility" as the Russia Ukraine war entered its second year.

Further sanctions on Russia were anticipated to be announced by the leaders.

In a televised speech, Volodymyr Zelensky underscored the unity among Ukrainians as they "have become one family" amid the crisis.

"Ukrainians have sheltered Ukrainians, opened their homes and hearts to those who were forced to flee the war," Zelenskiy said.

The Ukrainian leader also noted that Ukrainians have shown that they are stronger than artillery, "cluster bombs, cruise missiles, kamikaze drones, blackouts, and cold."

"We were not defeated. And we will do everything to gain victory this year!" Ukraine's head of state remarked.

President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed diplomats and troops in Kyiv's Saint Sophia Square and presented a medal to the mother of a fallen soldier, who fought back her tears.

The capital of Ukraine is not hosting any big events to commemorate the first anniversary of the Ukraine war. But many people attended church services and other activities taking place throughout Kyiv, per an Al Jazeera report.

Candles were lit and prayers were offered as soldiers prepared to return to the front lines of the Ukraine war.

Zelensky Interested To Meet with Xi Jinping

Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelensky said he was interested in talking to China although he had not yet seen China's proposal to halt Russia's conflict in Ukraine.

China, a strong Russian ally, will outline its view on resolving the Russia Ukraine war politically in a paper that considers territorial sovereignty, and security.

"We would like to meet with China," Pres. Zelensky told a Kyiv press conference when asked about engaging with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to CNBC.

Tags

Ukraine, Russia, Joe Biden, United States, Japan, China, Xi Jinping, Politics, World