Ukraine’s pro-democracy, pro-Europe demonstrations in Maidan sq. a decade in the past marked the “first victory” in its battle with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared on the anniversary of the favored protest motion.
Almost 100 civilians died in violent clashes with safety forces when Ukrainians took to the streets of the capital in 2013, demanding to maneuver Ukraine out of the orbit of Vladimir Putin’s Russia and “be a part of” the household of European democracies to which it “traditionally belongs”.
The “Revolution of Dignity” protests in the end led to the ouster of Kremlin-backed President Victor Yanukovych and gave house to the rise of a brand new technology of anticorruption, pro-democracy motion leaders.
“The primary victory in at present’s battle befell. A victory towards indifference. A victory of braveness. The victory of the Revolution of Dignity,” Zelenskyy stated in an announcement on Tuesday.
He praised his nation’s progress in the direction of gaining membership within the European Union since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February of final 12 months.
“Yr after 12 months, step-by-step, we do our greatest to make sure that our star shines within the circle of stars on the EU flag, which symbolises the unity of the peoples of Europe. The star of Ukraine,” he stated.
His feedback come as Russian forces chip away at Ukraine’s sovereignty and proceed their full-on invasion of their smaller neighbour.
Present of help
Numerous overseas leaders made journeys to Kyiv in a present of solidarity. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived by practice for an unannounced go to to reaffirm Berlin’s backing for Ukraine in its battle towards Russia’s troops.
“I’m right here once more, firstly to pledge additional help, but additionally to precise our solidarity and deep bond and in addition our admiration for the brave, courageous and expensive battle that’s being waged right here,” he stated laying flowers at Maidan sq. in central Kyiv.
Additionally in Kyiv on Tuesday, European Council President Charles Michel, shared a put up on the social media platform X, saying it was “Good to be again in Kyiv – amongst associates”. He posted an image of himself shaking palms with the EU ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova.
Moldova’s President Maia Sandu arrived in Kyiv early on Tuesday to affix Zelenskyy in honouring the reminiscence of those that died in the course of the Revolution of Dignity, her workplace stated on X.
United States Secretary of Protection Lloyd Austin made an unannounced go to to Kyiv on Monday “to fulfill with Ukrainian leaders and reinforce the staunch help of the USA for Ukraine’s battle for freedom”, the Pentagon stated in an announcement.
The UK’s overseas secretary, David Cameron, visited Ukraine final week to underline British help for Kyiv amid its ongoing battle with Russia. He instructed Zelenskyy the UK would help Ukraine for “nevertheless lengthy it takes”.
Bitter rival?
The Russian Ministry of Overseas Affairs commented on the anniversary of Maidan protests by blaming Ukraine and the West for the present battle by which practically 10,000 individuals have misplaced their lives.
Overseas Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova questioned what the dream of Europe had introduced Ukraine.
“From a affluent, industrially developed, densely populated ex-Soviet republic, Ukraine has was an impoverished, dying territory,” she stated, in accordance with feedback printed on the Overseas Ministry web site.
Ukraine had misplaced its independence because of the Maidan occasions, she stated. “Western colonisers decide its home and overseas coverage.”
Russia’s Overseas Ministry additionally made statements saying Russia can not coexist with the “regime” in Ukraine.
“The present regime is totally poisonous, we don’t see any choices for co-existence with it in the meanwhile,” Russian ambassador-at-large Rodion Miroshnik stated on Tuesday.
He additional said that to ensure that the battle to finish, Ukraine have to be “de-militarised and de-nazified” in order to not be deemed a risk to Russia.
