Zelensky addresses Ukrainians from Kyiv bunker on fourth anniversary of Russian invasion

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky showed the world the bunker from which he has, at times, managed the country’s defence and negotiated with world leaders, as he addressed the nation on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion on Tuesday.

Speaking from the bunker, Zelensky made an impassioned speech as he summed up four years of war, thanking the Ukrainian people and the country’s allies around the world for their sacrifices and support, while reminding the world that Russia had failed to achieve its goals.

“Exactly four years ago, Putin planned to take Kyiv in three days, but Ukrainians chose resistance. From this small bunker, I held my first conversations with world leaders at the beginning of the war. Here US President Joe Biden told me: ‘Volodymyr, you’re in danger. You need to leave Ukraine immediately. We can help.’ I answered that I needed weapons, not a ride.”

Zelensky reminded Ukrainians of the importance of bringing the international community on side. “We had to make the world pay attention. This was the key message to world leaders, and to millions of people around the world: be with us, be with Ukraine, believe in us. Gradually, brick by brick, Ukraine built up the support that made it possible to resist.”

Moving on to the pain that Russia had inflicted on “every family, every Ukrainian heart”, Zelensky listed some of the worst atrocities the country had endured, stressing that “Ukrainians will not forget, but nor will they be eaten up by anger.”

“Putin realises he cannot defeat Ukraine on the battlefield, so the world’s second-biggest army is now at war with apartment buildings and power plants as Ukrainians deal with the harshest winter in history. There is terror almost every night. What other people could overcome evil, despondency and despair despite war, attacks, trials and tribulations?” Zelensky continued.

Zelensky went on to thank his allies. “I want to thank every leader who chose the right side of history — chose Ukraine. I really hope to come here one day with the President of the United States. I know that only after visiting Ukraine and seeing our life and struggle with one’s own eyes and feeling this sea of pain can you understand what this war is really about. Russia needs to be put in its place so that there is real peace.”

Speaking of how to remember the dead, Zelensky said, “I am sure the fallen heroes have told God the whole truth about … 1,462 days of full-scale war, about 12 years of Russian aggression.” 

Underlining the need for security guarantees, Zelensky said that Ukraine wanted peace, but reminded the international community that it could not be at any price, adding that “any agreement must both be signed and approved by the Ukrainian people.”

Zelensky ended by saying Ukraine’s strength was its people. “Putin has not achieved his goals. He has not broken Ukrainians. He hasn’t won this war. We have saved Ukraine and we will do everything to find peace and justice.”