Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief lauds defenders, vows fierce response against Russian aggression

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, expressed gratitude to all Ukrainian defenders in a published address on Telegram, marking the second anniversary of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine on Feb. 24.

He expressed hope that “in the near future we will give an asymmetric response to the Russians in the air” and “there will be even more burning Russian planes.”

Below is the full text of Syrskyi’s address.

Today marks the 2nd anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation. Two years have transformed a ten-year war into the largest conflict in Europe since World War II.

As thousands of Russian invaders advanced from all directions into Ukraine and thousands of missiles and bombs rained down on our land, few believed in our survival. However, the Ukrainian Defense Forces, from the outset, stood firm and engaged the enemy.

No one except for hundreds of thousands of volunteers who lined up at military registration and enlistment offices in the first hours of full-scale aggression. Except for the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who joined the Territorial Defense Forces from the very beginning. Additionally, millions of Ukrainians volunteered to support their army like never before.

Despite the lack of belief from others, Ukraine believed, accepted the battle, and endured. Amidst the choice between weapons and evacuation, we chose weapons. Then came the battle for Kyiv and the retreat of the occupiers from the outskirts of the capital under the fire of our defenders.

Then came the liberation of Snake Island and the clearing of the Black Sea from Russian scrap metal.

Then came the Kharkiv offensive and the liberation of Kherson.

There was also an attempted Ukrainian counteroffensive, which, unfortunately, due to objective circumstances, did not bring the desired result.

Today we persist in battling the enemy across the entire frontline. We are bearing the highest cost for our freedom, striving to prevent every Ukrainian town or village from suffering the fate of Bucha, Bakhmut, or Avdiivka. The finest sons and daughters of the Ukrainian people are making the ultimate sacrifice.

We honor those who sacrificed their lives for Ukraine. We remember and vow to seek justice!

Today, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all Ukrainian defenders who are courageously repelling Russian attacks and combating the enemy at this very moment. A profound bow to the medics, rescuers, volunteers, and all those supporting the Ukrainian Defense Forces in bringing our victory closer!

On this day, I also express gratitude to our partners for their assistance. Every shell, tank, and armored vehicle provided is preserving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. While we fight for every meter of our land, the most precious asset we possess is the life of a Ukrainian soldier.

I believe that in the near future, we will deliver an asymmetric response to the Russians in the air. There will be even more Russian planes in flames. The Government, Armed Forces, and the President are exerting every effort to make this possible.

And finally, about the most important thing. Today, more than ever, we need unity.

I am convinced that unity is our victory. And it will definitely be. Because light always conquers darkness!

Glory to Ukraine!

Glory to the heroes!

Read also:

• Kyiv becomes diplomatic hotspot as world leaders flock for invasion anniversary

• Ukraine’s iconic Okean Elzy released powerful song Answer to mark two years of Russia’s war on UA

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine