Zelenskyy marks Ukraine’s Defenders Day, promises victory over Russia

‘Win in such a way that it will crown struggle of many generations of Ukraine with success,’ says president

By Burc Eruygur

ANKARA (AA) – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked Ukraine’s Defenders Day on Friday, promising a win against Russia in the ongoing war since February.

“We express gratitude to everyone who fought for Ukraine in the past and to everyone who is fighting for it now. To all who won then and to everyone who will definitely win now,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

Ukrainian people have always wanted peace the most, he said, urging them to win in a way that will “crown the struggle of many generations of the Ukrainian people with success.”

“Glory to all our heroes! Glory to all who fight, work and help! Glory to Ukraine!” he added.

Moscow has targeted several Ukrainian cities in airstrikes following the Oct. 8 blast on a strategic bridge linking Russia to Crimea, which it illegally annexed in 2014, drawing widespread international condemnation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has blamed Kyiv for what he called a “terrorist attack” on the Kerch Bridge.

Ukraine celebrates Defenders Day annually on Oct. 14, which was introduced in 2014 by former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

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