On the 31st anniversary of independence, Zelensky vows Ukraine will fight Russia “to the end of”

Ukraine marks Wednesday's 31st anniversary of independence from the former Soviet Union.

The same day takes place six months since Russia has launched an unprotested attack on Ukraine.

Over the past six months, we've changed history, changed the world and changed ourselves... we've started to respect ourselves. We understand that despite assistance and support, no one but us will fight for our independence. We are united”, Zelensky said at his address on August 24th.

It doesn't matter what army we have, what's important is our land. We will fight for it until the end of”, he said.

When we celebrate victory. The whole Ukraine. Because we don't trade our land and our people”, he said.

For us, Ukraine is all Ukraine. All 25 regions, no concessions or compromises. We do not know those words, that they were destroyed by missiles on February 24th”.

Ukrainian capital, Kiev and several other major cities have banned public celebrations, following warnings that Russia may use this event to attack civilian and government infrastructure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has told residents to be vigilant as they celebrate, as the anniversary of independence coincides with the sixth month of the start of war.

It's a big day for all of us. It's, unfortunately, important even to our enemy. We should be careful about Russian provocations, since brutal attacks are possible”, Zelensky said in the late hours of February 23rd.

On the day of marking the 31st anniversary of independence, Zelensky has said he plans to share prices for Ukrainians who have contributed to strengthening the state.

Instead of the parade, destroyed Russian military equipment has been placed on Kiev's main road as a reminder of Moscow's failed attempts to take control of the Ukrainian capital in the early days of the war.

Washington has also warned that Russia could use this anniversary to launch greater attacks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the invasion of Ukraine on 24 February.

He calls the war <x0 special military operation” to demilitarise Ukraine.

The West has responded to Russia, striking the economy of this state with severe sanctions. / REL/