February 24 marks four years since the beginning of the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. On this occasion, President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the citizens, emphasizing the resilience of the people and the steadfastness of the country in the face of years of war.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Ukrainian Resistance and Resilience
In his address, the head of state reminded everyone of the Kremlin’s predictions regarding the swift capture of Kyiv and stressed that despite all attempts, the enemy has not achieved its goals. Zelensky noted that Russia has been unable to defeat Ukraine on the battlefield, and the so-called “second army in the world” is waging war against civilian infrastructure, shelling apartment buildings and energy facilities. Ukrainians have already endured the most challenging winter in the history of independence, with almost daily terrorist attacks and trials that, according to the president, few in the world could withstand.
“Putin understands that he cannot defeat Ukraine on the battlefield, and the ‘second army in the world’ is fighting against apartment buildings and power plants. And now Ukrainians are enduring the hardest winter in history. And terror almost every night. And I don’t know who else could withstand such a thing without breaking down or faltering. Ukrainians are doing it. It is undoubtedly great fatigue. What other nation can do this?” – the head of state rhetorically asked.
Ukraine Preserved Independence and Statehood
The president emphasized that the main achievement over the years of resistance has been the preservation of independence and statehood. Ukraine has not only survived as a state but continues to play an important role in international relations. Kyiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Kramatorsk, Odesa, Lviv, and other cities remain under Ukrainian control. According to estimates, as of February 24, 2026, Russia controls smaller territories of Ukraine than at the peak of the invasion in 2022 and does not hold any new regional centers aside from those occupied in 2014. Additionally, the Russian fleet has left Crimea and relocated to Novorossiysk.
Zelensky emphasized that “we have preserved Ukraine, and we will do everything to achieve peace. And to ensure justice.” He highlighted that Ukrainians have stood firm despite numerous challenges, and this struggle has been ongoing for over ten years since the onset of aggression in the spring of 2014.