Ukraine celebrates Easter with 'unshakable' faith in victory, says president

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) — Ukraine's president marked Orthodox Easter early on Sunday, affirming his people's "unshakeable" faith in "the irreversibility of victory."

"Today, we celebrate the holiday of the Resurrection of the Lord. Its main symbol is victory: the victory of good, victory of truth, victory of life. We celebrate Easter with unshakable faith in the irreversibility of these victories," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video address.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine has been in a struggle since the beginning of Russia's war on the country in February last year, noting that they prayed for the country's endurance and victory.

"We don't just wait and ask, we win and create this victory ourselves. 417 days. We have already come a long way. Perhaps the most difficult of the peaks is ahead of us. We will overcome it. And together we will meet our dawn. When the sun will rise all over our country," Zelenskyy said.

He asserted that the Ukrainian flag would be raised throughout all its territories, including those currently under Russian control.

"Heaven sees our faith and steadfastness. The world sees our courage and invincibility. The enemy sees our strength and determination. And therefore, Ukraine will see the light of victory," Zelenskyy said.

He also underlined that no matter where, Ukrainians celebrated Easter as one nation, wishing divine appeasement for those killed in the war and protection for those at the front.

"With all our strength, we fight for our land and ask for the help of heavenly forces. In hundreds of prayers that our ancestors said before the battle, which help our soldiers and protect them today."