Ukraine’s resistance at 1,462 days: "We have not been defeated," says Zelensky
Marking the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion on February 24, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a powerful video message from his Kyiv office. He emphasized that Russia has failed to achieve its strategic objectives or break the spirit of the Ukrainian people.
"Putin did not achieve his goals. He did not defeat the Ukrainian people. He did not win this war," Zelensky stated. He noted that through four years of resilience, Ukraine has earned the right to a "strong, dignified, and lasting peace."
The weight of 1,462 days
Reflecting on the early hours of the conflict in 2022, Zelensky recalled his refusal to flee the capital, famously choosing "ammunition over a ride." The President began his address in the same bunker where he held his first wartime calls with world leaders.
He ironized Moscow's initial plan to capture Kyiv in three days, stating that the past four years have proven the depth of Ukrainian courage. "They thought we were on our knees; we were just tightening our laces," Zelensky remarked, referencing a popular wartime slogan.
Moldova’s immediate mobilization
The anniversary also serves as a reminder of the rapid response in Chisinau. On the morning of the 2022 attack, President Maia Sandu immediately convened the Supreme Security Council, placing all state institutions on high alert.
Moldova quickly became a vital humanitarian corridor. By February 27, 2022, then-Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița reported that over 70,000 refugees had entered the country, triggering a massive mobilization of social and medical resources.
A legacy of resilience
Over the past four years, Moldova’s airspace has been repeatedly violated by Russian missiles and drones. Chisinau has maintained a firm diplomatic stance, condemning these incidents while continuing to provide safety for those fleeing the conflict.
Zelensky concluded his message by thanking international leaders who stood by Ukraine without fear of Moscow's reaction. He expressed a final hope for a future visit from the U.S. President to a peaceful Kyiv, signaling that the road to justice continues.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
