On February 24, 2025, Ukraine marks three years since the beginning of the full-scale aggressive war launched and waged by the russian federation against Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, with gross violations of international law, committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. Although the russian-Ukrainian war has actually been going on for eleven years, more than 4,000 days, since February 2014, this day became the starting point for the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian people, who continue to fight for their freedom and independence.

Eleven years ago, russia occupied the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol, as well as certain districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Until February 24, 2022, the main events of the war, with varying intensities of hostilities, took place in the east of our country. However, the confrontation with russian hybrid aggression occurred not only on the front lines but also throughout the entire territory of Ukraine. The true intentions of the aggressor were fully revealed on February 24, 2022, when the whole world witnessed the unleashing of an open full-scale war by the russian federation against Ukraine, which in the future meant a threat to peace and security not only on the European continent but also led to a violation of stability and balance on a global scale.

The war in Ukraine and for Ukraine did not start unexpectedly. The full-scale attack is another attempt to break Ukraine, to turn a sovereign state into a simulacrum, and its people into a «population», similar to the russian one. The open war against Ukraine was planned long ago and, in latent and hybrid forms, continued throughout all the years of our independence. (Keyword density: ~1.25%)

The war has not spared any family, and it has affected everyone. And everyone goes through this test differently. But what remains common for many is the desire for victory, the desire to destroy the enemy, to stand up and maintain independence.

The war has steeled and united us. Today, we are united by the memory of the dead, common pain and shared responsibility, the desire to avenge all those killed and tortured by the rashists. We thank those who defend Ukraine every day! Eternal memory to those who did not return from the war…

In the most difficult times of our history, Ukrainians united to repel the enemy, and they massively stood up to defend their native land. Our readiness to resist is the decisive guarantee of Victory. This was understood by the tens and hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who voluntarily joined the ranks of the defenders of Ukraine. They, leaving their affairs or successful careers, put on military uniforms.

Thousands of Ukrainians are volunteering. They gave a chance to everyone else to prepare and find their place in this war. But we can win only through the joint efforts of all Ukrainians. We have this chance, and we have no right to lose it.

The heroic resistance of Ukrainians is not only a struggle for the physical survival of the Ukrainian people and the freedom of the country. In this war, Ukraine defends its right to exist, its national identity, its European choice and values. Ukrainians shed their blood for a free, democratic Europe. And today, as a result of russia’s military aggression, unfortunately, Ukraine has not only the Heavenly Hundred but also an entire Heavenly Army.

Today, after three years, we have proved to the whole world that we are unbreakable. Despite fatigue, losses, and pain, Ukrainians hold on, believing in victory. This war has already changed the course of world history. Ukraine has shown that even against a strong enemy, you can stand your ground if you fight for truth, freedom, and the future.