Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a direct appeal to former US President Donald Trump to visit Kyiv, as the nation commemorates the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. In a video address, Zelenskyy emphasized that Vladimir Putin has failed to achieve his war objectives and has not broken the spirit of the Ukrainian people.
Defiance and Diplomacy in Anniversary Address
Zelenskyy's 18-minute speech included never-before-seen footage from the underground bunker on Bankova Street in Kyiv, where he and his advisers sheltered during the initial hours of the 2022 attack. He recounted a pivotal phone call from US President Joe Biden, who offered to evacuate him urgently. Zelenskyy famously responded, "I need ammunition, not a ride," a moment that has become emblematic of his leadership.
The video also showed Zelenskyy laying roses at a memorial in Maidan Square, honouring the thousands of Ukrainian servicemen and women who have perished over the past four years. Scenes of world leaders, including Keir Starmer and Boris Johnson, touring Kyiv highlighted international solidarity.
Invitation to Trump and Critique of Putin
Zelenskyy expressed a strong desire for Trump to witness the conflict firsthand, stating that only by visiting Ukraine could one truly understand the war's reality. He suggested such a trip might clarify "who the aggressor is here and who must be pressured." Zelenskyy condemned Putin's tactics, noting that since Russia cannot defeat Ukraine on the battlefield, it targets civilians and infrastructure instead.
He described the current winter as the hardest in history for Ukrainians, with nightly terror from aerial attacks leaving millions without power. Zelenskyy asserted, "I do not know who else could withstand this without collapsing or wavering."
Peace Talks and International Support
Zelenskyy rejected Kremlin demands, seemingly backed by US envoys, for Ukraine to cede territory in the Donbas region. He instructed negotiators in Geneva not to betray the years of struggle and dignity, emphasizing a commitment to "strong, dignified, lasting peace."
On Tuesday, Zelenskyy welcomed European leaders to Kyiv, including British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The delegation, comprising prime ministers from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, and Finland's President Alexander Stubb, visited a destroyed energy facility and participated in coalition meetings.
Achievements and Criticism
Zelenskyy celebrated Ukraine's international successes, such as EU candidate status, Eurovision victory, and awards like an Oscar and Bafta. He also criticised the International Olympic Committee as "spineless" for banning a Ukrainian athlete over a protest against Russia.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Zelenskyy remains resolute, declaring, "We have preserved Ukraine, and we will do everything to achieve peace. And to ensure justice."
