The state of Ukraine celebrates tonight (Wednesday) 31 years of independence, in the shadow of a grim war: The fighting in the east of the country continues unabated. The Russian army attacked a train station in the Dnepropetrovsk region this evening, killing 15 people and injuring about 50.
Earlier this evening, Vladimir Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, gave a speech before the UN Security Council and thanked the countries that stood by Ukraine during the war.
The speech lasted about ten minutes and was accompanied by technical difficulties. Zelensky referred to the situation at the nuclear plant in the Zaporozhye region and accused Russia of putting the world on the brink of a “radiation catastrophe.”
The Director General of the United Nations expressed concern about what is happening in Zaporozhye and admitted that there are no signs that the war is going to end soon.
Before Zelensky’s speech, Russia tried to oppose the speech, arguing that the rule is that the members who speak must be physically present in the hall. A vote was held instead and Russia’s reservation was rejected.
Prime Minister Yair Lapid issued a greeting to Ukraine this evening. “Congratulations to Ukraine on 31 years of independence!” wrote Lapid. “Relations of many years bind the Jewish people to the people of Ukraine.”
The Prime Minister also wrote: “The State of Israel hopes to see the end of the war in Ukraine soon and that the citizens of Ukraine will soon see better and safer days.”