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NEW DELHI: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hosted a gathering of Western leaders in Kyiv on Saturday to commemorate two years of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This event took place amidst a critical situation, with Ukrainian forces running low on ammunition and weaponry while foreign aid hangs in the balance, reported AP.
Zelenskyy, together with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, met at the Hostomel airfield near Kyiv.It was at this location that Russian paratroopers attempted to seize control in the early days of the war. Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude, stating, “Two years ago, we faced the enemy’s landing forces with fire; today, we meet our friends and partners here.”
The Western leaders arrived shortly after a Russian drone attack targeted a residential building in the southern city of Odesa, resulting in the death of one person and severe burns to three women. Rescue services are currently searching for survivors amidst the rubble.
Italy, currently holding the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven (G7) leading economies, announced that the G7 would virtually convene with Zelenskyy to adopt a joint statement on Ukraine. European Commission President von der Leyen affirmed their unwavering support saying, “More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine. Financially, economically, militarily, morally. Until the country is finally free.”
Meanwhile, on the front line in the eastern Donetsk region, Ukrainian soldiers are urgently appealing for ammunition. Volodymyr, a senior officer in an artillery battery, expressed their dire situation, saying, “When the enemy attacks, many of our comrades lose their lives. We are here without adequate resources to protect our infantry.” Oleksandr, a commander of an artillery unit, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a high number of shells to safeguard their troops.
In a message marking the war’s second anniversary, Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, thanked Ukrainian soldiers for their sacrifices and acknowledged the support of Western allies. Highlighting the value of every piece of equipment, he said, “Every projectile, every tank, every armored vehicle is, first and foremost, saving the life of a Ukrainian soldier.”
Earlier this month, President Zelenskyy dismissed the top military commander Valerii Zaluzhnyi and appointed Syrskyi in his place representing the most significant restructuring of high-ranking military officials since the commencement of the full-scale invasion.
The Ukrainian military also reported successes, including the downing of a Russian early warning and control aircraft, which they believe Russia uses to direct missile attacks.
As Ukraine enters its third year, Ukrainian troops face mounting challenges on the front line, with dwindling ammunition supplies and personnel issues. The recent withdrawal from the strategic city of Avdiivka has been seen as a significant victory for Moscow, which still controls a quarter of the country.
The president’s wife, Olena Zelenska, revealed the devastating impact of the war on Ukrainian children. Over 2 million children have left the country since the conflict began, and at least 528 have lost their lives. She said, “The war started by Russia deliberately targets children.”
Meanwhile, in response to the humanitarian crisis, Britain has pledged an additional £8.5 million ($10.8 million) in aid to Ukraine, focusing on providing medical care, food, and basic services to those affected.
The United States Congress, however, has delayed $60 billion in military aid for Kyiv, further exacerbating the urgent need for support.
The European Union recently approved a €50 billion ($54 billion) aid package for Ukraine, despite resistance from Hungary.
Zelenskyy, together with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, met at the Hostomel airfield near Kyiv.It was at this location that Russian paratroopers attempted to seize control in the early days of the war. Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude, stating, “Two years ago, we faced the enemy’s landing forces with fire; today, we meet our friends and partners here.”
The Western leaders arrived shortly after a Russian drone attack targeted a residential building in the southern city of Odesa, resulting in the death of one person and severe burns to three women. Rescue services are currently searching for survivors amidst the rubble.
Italy, currently holding the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven (G7) leading economies, announced that the G7 would virtually convene with Zelenskyy to adopt a joint statement on Ukraine. European Commission President von der Leyen affirmed their unwavering support saying, “More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine. Financially, economically, militarily, morally. Until the country is finally free.”
Meanwhile, on the front line in the eastern Donetsk region, Ukrainian soldiers are urgently appealing for ammunition. Volodymyr, a senior officer in an artillery battery, expressed their dire situation, saying, “When the enemy attacks, many of our comrades lose their lives. We are here without adequate resources to protect our infantry.” Oleksandr, a commander of an artillery unit, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a high number of shells to safeguard their troops.
In a message marking the war’s second anniversary, Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, thanked Ukrainian soldiers for their sacrifices and acknowledged the support of Western allies. Highlighting the value of every piece of equipment, he said, “Every projectile, every tank, every armored vehicle is, first and foremost, saving the life of a Ukrainian soldier.”
Earlier this month, President Zelenskyy dismissed the top military commander Valerii Zaluzhnyi and appointed Syrskyi in his place representing the most significant restructuring of high-ranking military officials since the commencement of the full-scale invasion.
The Ukrainian military also reported successes, including the downing of a Russian early warning and control aircraft, which they believe Russia uses to direct missile attacks.
As Ukraine enters its third year, Ukrainian troops face mounting challenges on the front line, with dwindling ammunition supplies and personnel issues. The recent withdrawal from the strategic city of Avdiivka has been seen as a significant victory for Moscow, which still controls a quarter of the country.
The president’s wife, Olena Zelenska, revealed the devastating impact of the war on Ukrainian children. Over 2 million children have left the country since the conflict began, and at least 528 have lost their lives. She said, “The war started by Russia deliberately targets children.”
Meanwhile, in response to the humanitarian crisis, Britain has pledged an additional £8.5 million ($10.8 million) in aid to Ukraine, focusing on providing medical care, food, and basic services to those affected.
The United States Congress, however, has delayed $60 billion in military aid for Kyiv, further exacerbating the urgent need for support.
The European Union recently approved a €50 billion ($54 billion) aid package for Ukraine, despite resistance from Hungary.
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