Friday, February 24, 2023, marks a grim anniversary—one year since the war in Ukraine began. According to some reports, about 300,000 Ukrainian and Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded and about 30,000 civilians are believed to have died in the war. However, the total may be higher. Sadly, an end to this war does not appear to be in sight.
According to NPR (National Public Radio), on February 19, 2023,
“Nearly a year since Russian forces rolled into Ukraine, there are no real signs of a way out of the conflict. Neither side appears primed for an outright military victory, and progress at the negotiating table seems just as unlikely.”
On a day of commemorations, reflection and tears, the Ukrainian president’s defiant tone captured the national mood of resilience in the face of Europe’s biggest and deadliest war since World War II. Zelenskyy, who has himself become a symbol of Ukraine’s refusal to bow to Moscow, said Ukrainians proved themselves to be invincible during a year of pain, sorrow, faith and unity.
“We have been standing for exactly one year, the longest day of our lives. The hardest day of our modern history. We woke up early and haven’t fallen asleep since.”
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy
