Zelensky optimistic Ukraine will triumph on its second anniversary

The Ukrainian president Zelensky has expressed optimism about his country’s ability to triumph, pointing to the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

“We won’t let Ukraine be destroyed,” said Volodymyr Zelensky in a speech in Kyiv.

Western leaders stood together with him in a show of support.

Ukraine is having a hard time getting Russia to leave its land, and this is happening around the time of the anniversary.

Mr Zelensky said on Saturday that he wants the war to stop, but it can only be on Ukraine’s terms.

“That’s why we always say ‘end of the war’ on our own terms. ” That’s why we always say ‘peace’ and ‘fair’ together.

We are working hard to achieve it. We have already lived for 730 days. “We will win on the happiest day of our life. ”

The leaders of Italy, Belgium, and Canada, along with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, all met with him in Kyiv.

They placed flower garlands at a wall to remember people who died in the war.

However, some important visitors were missing. None of the older US leaders were there, but last year President Joe Biden came to the anniversary.

Mr Zelensky met with a group of Democratic senators led by Chuck Schumer on Friday. He said this showed that Washington supported Ukraine.

Ms von der Leyen said good things about the Ukrainian soldiers who defended their country at the start of the invasion. They surprised people by being able to resist Russia’s invasion force.

“You stopped Russia from attacking the main part of Ukraine. ” She said, “You protected your country, you protected all of Europe. ”

Italy and Canada said they signed agreements with Kyiv to help Ukraine join Nato. This is good for Ukraine’s safety.

After, the G7 countries – Canada, Italy, the UK and US – promised to help Ukraine and agreed to impose new penalties on Russia during a video meeting.

Marches have happened in Europe to show support for Ukraine. The participants asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the war.

At least four people were taken by the police in Moscow on Saturday at a protest against the war. The protest was organized by wives of soldiers who had been called to duty.

Protests like this don’t happen often because there are many laws in Russia that punish people who speak out against the government.

Ukraine is struggling as the anniversary of Russia’s invasion approaches. Just a week ago, it was announced that soldiers had left the fighting town of Avdiivka, which was a big victory for Russia.

Ukraine’s attempt to fight back didn’t work and they are having trouble getting more help from the US. This is a big problem for them.

At the same time, the battle is still going on. At least four people died in the recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Kyiv hit one of Russia’s big steel factories with a drone on Saturday.

Ukraine has won some battles in the war by sinking Russian warships and shooting down spy planes. But President Zelensky’s promised victory still seems a long way off.