Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked Ukraine’s Independence Day in a video address recorded in a border region where Ukrainian forces recently launched an unexpected offensive into Russia. He stated that Russia aimed to “destroy” Ukraine but emphasized that the war “has returned to its home.” Ukraine celebrated its 33rd Independence Day from the Soviet Union on Saturday amidst a prolonged conflict, during which Ukrainian troops have entered territories in the Russian Kursk region, while Russia has made advances in eastern Ukraine.
Zelenskyy released a video from a desolate forest area in the Sumy region, mentioning that it was merely “a few kilometers” away from the location where Ukrainian forces crossed into Russia on August 6. In his address, he noted that Ukraine “surprises once again” and vowed that Russia would “know what retribution is.”
According to Zelenskyy, Russia’s invasion in 2022 sought only one thing: “to destroy us.” He added, “What the enemy brought to our land has now returned to his home.” “Anyone who wishes to sow evil in our land will reap its fruit on their own territory,” he emphasized, stating that this is not a prediction but justice.
The military offensive in Kursk is considered the most significant cross-border attack since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Since August 6, Ukrainian forces have reportedly occupied dozens of villages across more than 1,000 square kilometers and have captured Russian soldiers.
Zelenskyy also referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “sick old man from Red Square,” who constantly threatens everyone with a “red button.” Red Square in Moscow is also where Russia holds its annual major military parade, attended by Putin and other top politicians and military leaders.
Although the incursion into Kursk has shaken Moscow, it has not halted Russia’s advances in eastern Ukraine. According to Al Jazeera correspondent in Kyiv, Alex Gatopoulos, the celebrations in the capital were subdued, and large crowds were discouraged, unlike in previous years when captured Russian weapons were on display. There were concerns over potential massive Russian drone or missile strikes, and the air defense in the capital was on heightened alert to address any threats. “So far, it has been quiet,” reported Gatopoulos.
On the same day, Zelenskyy signed a law banning Moscow-linked religious organizations in Ukraine, including the Moscow-linked Orthodox Church, a decision published on the Ukrainian parliament’s website.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed support for Ukraine, stating that the country was “moving with incredible speed toward becoming a member of the European Union.” In a brief video, she shared her support on social media platform X, saying, “Europe will always stand by Ukraine’s side because Ukraine is Europe. Your freedom is our freedom. Your security is our security.” Ukraine was officially granted candidate status for EU membership in June 2022, four months after Russia’s invasion, and the first round of formal accession negotiations took place in June of this year.