Zelensky: Ukraine Was Reborn When Russia Invaded

President delivers emotional speech to mark independence

- Divya Soundararajan

Ukraine was reborn when Vladimir Putin declared war six months ago, Volodymyr Zelensky told Ukrainians yesterday in an emotional speech to mark 31 years of independence.

After days of warnings that Moscow could use Ukraine's Independence Day to launch more missile attacks on major cities, the country's second-biggest city Kharkiv was under curfew after months of bombardment yesterday.

Celebrations across the country were cancelled but many people marked the day by wearing embroidered shirts that are part of the national dress and Mr Zelensky and his wife laid flowers at a memorial to fallen soldiers.

In an emotional speech aired yesterday morning, the Ukrainian president said Russia's attack had revived the nation's spirits. He added that the country no longer saw the war ending when there was peace, but when Kyiv was victorious, and that his troops would recapture annexed Crimea and occupied areas in the east.

"A new nation appeared in the world on 24 February at 4 in the morning. It was not born, but reborn. A nation that did not cry, scream or take fright. One that did not flee. Did not give up. And did not forget," he said as he stood in front of Kyiv's central monument to independence.

"We are holding on for six months. It is difficult for us, but we clenched our fists fighting for our fate," he added. "Every new day is a new reason not to give up. Because, having gone through so much, we have no right not to reach the end."