Five hundred days ago, on February 24, 2022, the Russian government launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine as the Kremlin attempts to subjugate the country, seize its land, topple its democratically elected government.
While the spirit of Ukraine’s people remains unbroken, the President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy to mark the 500th day of the war on Saturday, has hailed the country’s soldiers in a video from a Black Sea island.
The President honored the Ukrainian soldiers who fought for the island and all other defenders of country, saying that reclaiming control of the island “is a great proof that Ukraine will regain every bit of its territory.”
Zelenskyy noted on tweets that during the 500 days of the full-scale war, thousands and thousands of his people showed strength, glory and courage of the Ukrainian people in battles for the sake of the state.
He said, “Almost 50,000 of our people have been awarded state awards. 298 Ukrainian men and women have been awarded the highest title of Hero of Ukraine.
“I am proud of all of them, grateful to each of them, we remember our heroes. We cannot name all the names now. We will be able to tell about some heroes only after our victory – their bravery is so special.
“But Ukraine will always be grateful to all of them. And please, honor our heroes! And tell your children, your friends, the whole world about them. Glory to all who fight for Ukraine, the President said.
Celebrating with the Ukraine of the 500th day full-scale war, Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau tweeted on Saturday, praising the Ukrainian people, he said, “Your strength, courage, and resilience are inspiring.
Trudeau expressed Canada’s support for the country, saying, “As we mark 500 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion, I want to be very clear: Canada’s support for you remains steadfast. We’ll continue to make sure you have what you need to win this war”.
United States through its Secretary of State, Antony Blinken on this 500th days Ukraine invasion in a statement said the United States remains committed to helping Ukraine defend itself and to rebuild its future.
He said each day, the people of Ukraine demonstrate their resilience, unity in defending against Moscow’s brutal, relentless assaults. “In the face of enormous adversity, the people of Ukraine inspire the world, reminding us of the importance of upholding the tenets of the UN Charter.
“The Russian government remains the sole obstacle to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The United States will continue to impose severe costs on the Russian government through sanctions
“Export controls, and other measures that will impact the Kremlin’s ability to wage war, and we will continue to promote accountability for violations of international law.
“We will stand with Ukraine along with our allies and partners for as long as it takes by providing security, economic, and other assistance to Ukraine, so Ukraine can continue to defend itself and be in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table when the time comes”, Blinken said.