Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday he was aiming for an “inevitable victory” this year against Russia, backed by many countries, the European Union and the G7, which have announced a further tightening of their sanctions against Moscow. . In Moscow, Security Council number two Dmitry Medvedev also promised “victory”, saying Russia was ready to go to the “borders of Poland”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday he was aiming for an “inevitable victory” this year against Russia, backed by many countries, the European Union and the G7, which have announced a further tightening of their sanctions against Moscow. . In Moscow, Security Council number two Dmitry Medvedev also promised “victory”, saying Russia was ready to go to the “borders of Poland”.
Volodymyr Zelensky, who became the face of the Ukrainian resistance around the world, set himself the goal of defeating the Russian giant “this year”. “If the partners keep their words and deadlines, an inevitable victory awaits us,” the Ukrainian leader told a news conference.
“Se o general [e chefe do Estado-maior americano Mark] Milley wants us to expel the enemy more quickly, he must speed up the delivery of weapons,” added Zelensky.
On a visit to Kiev, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki had previously announced the arrival of the first four Leopard 2 main battle tanks, and that more tanks would arrive “in a few days”.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, announced that his country would deliver four additional Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, bringing its contribution in that area to eight.
new sanctions
The Swedish presidency of the EU also indicated that the bloc approved a new set of sanctions against the Russian economy on Friday night. “Today the EU approved a 10th sanctions package that includes, among other measures, tighter restrictions on the export of technology and dual-use goods, restrictive measures directed against persons and entities that support war, disseminate propaganda or deliver drones that are used “by Russia, as well as measures against Russian disinformation,” he said.
In Kiev, President Zelensky paid tribute in the morning to Ukrainian soldiers at the front and those who died in battle, during a ceremony in the courtyard of Saint Sophia Cathedral.
Several events across the country commemorated this first year of the conflict, including in Boutcha, the site of a massacre of civilians blamed on Russian troops. Demonstrations around the world also showed solidarity with Ukraine on Friday.
The UN General Assembly on Thursday (23) demanded by an overwhelming majority an “immediate” withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. But there were weighty abstentions, starting with China, Russia’s strategic partner.
NATO leaders France, Germany and the EU reiterated their support for Ukraine. The G7 threatened “severe costs” for countries that continue to help Russia circumvent sanctions.
tributes around the world
In Paris, the Eiffel Tower has been illuminated since Thursday with the colors of the Ukrainian flag, a tribute that can be seen until this Sunday (26). In Berlin, the damaged structure of a Russian tank was installed in front of the Russian embassy, with the cannon aimed at the diplomatic building.
In Hollywood, about 30 stars conveyed their “love” and prayers to Ukraine. “We’re thinking of you, sending you love, sending you our strength, our prayers and always keeping you in our hearts,” actress Julia Roberts revealed.
“And the force will always be with you,” said actor Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in the “Star Wars” saga.
USA and China
The United States announced Friday, in coordination with the G7 countries, a new round of sanctions, targeting, among others, Russian companies and individuals in the sectors of metal, mining, military equipment or semiconductors.
Asked by ABCNewsUS President Joe Biden, however, renewed his opposition to any delivery “at this stage” to Ukraine of F-16 fighter jets, requested by Zelensky.
China has called for Russian-Ukrainian peace talks to be held, citing respect for Ukrainian territorial integrity and Russian security claims. An equation hitherto impossible.
Westerners have largely rejected that move, but Zelensky called it “necessary” to “work” with Beijing and said he planned a meeting with his counterpart Xi Jinping. Moscow said it “appreciated” the Chinese effort, but considered that Ukraine’s integrity could not be respected, deeming Moscow’s claimed annexation of Ukrainian regions to be “a new territorial reality”.
About 8 million displaced
On the morning of February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin launched the worst conflict in Europe since World War II. One year later, entire cities have been destroyed, part of the country is occupied and the human toll is more than 150,000 dead and wounded on both sides, according to western estimates. In addition, around 8 million Ukrainians were displaced.
Since the beginning of the conflict, the Ukrainian army has inflicted a series of setbacks on the Kremlin, pushing the Kiev invader to the north, northeast and south of the country. With winter, the front has stabilized, but both sides are preparing new offensives.
Putin has accused the West all week of waging a proxy war against him, while vowing to “methodically” continue his offensive.
(With information from AFP)