Zelenskyy posted today: "Today marks the fourth anniversary of Putin's so-called 'three-day capture of Kyiv' operation. This is enough to show our resistance, and how Ukraine has fought over the past four years. Behind these words are our millions of people, great courage, immeasurable sacrifices, resilient perseverance, and the long road Ukraine has taken since February 24, 2022."
Looking back at the beginning of the invasion, and looking at today, we have every reason to say: We have defended our independence, not lost our national status; Putin did not achieve his goals. He did not break the Ukrainian people, nor did he win this war. We have preserved Ukraine, and will spare no effort to strive for peace and justice. Glory to Ukraine!"
Comment: This statement condenses four years of resistance into one confident statement: No one expected Ukraine to last until today, and it indeed held onto its sovereignty and independence, preventing Russia's plan for a quick victory. This declaration is both a comfort to the sacrifices of the country's military and civilians, and a firm stance in the international public opinion arena to gain support.
But this protracted conflict has long exceeded initial expectations, with both sides paying heavy costs, and peace still remains far away. Saying "we didn't win" cannot hide the cruelty of the battlefield and the destruction of people's lives. The longer the conflict drags on, the fewer real winners there are. This prolonged confrontation has become a protracted war of endurance, willpower, and aid.
Original text: toutiao.com/article/1858021330859018/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.