Ukrainian govt officials on anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion express hope for Ukraine's victory in war

KYIV. Feb 24 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The prime minister, deputy prime ministers and ministers of Ukrainian government on the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion have expressed hope for Ukraine’s victory in the war.

“A Fierce Year of Invincibility. Twelve months of challenges and tireless struggle. Twelve months of resistance to the Russian invasion. Ukraine persevered due to everyone who fought. Ukraine is winning due to everyone who continues to fight,” he said on the Telegram channel on Friday.

The prime minister stressed that Ukraine will recover for the sake of everyone who gave their lives for a free future for the future generations.

“The day when the world once again split into “before” and “after”. The day it was told to “surrender and disappear later – or die now.” It didn’t disappear. It didn’t give up. It survived. It got stronger. And it will definitely win. Ukraine – forever. Free and strong. This is the result of this year,” First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who is also the Economy Minister of Ukraine, said on Facebook.

She emphasized that the Ukrainian flag for all mankind is a symbol of courage and invincibility, freedom and self-confidence “even when everyone else is sure: the situation is hopeless. That’s how it will be: we will live. We will win. We will build.”

Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereschuk, who is also the Minister for the Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories, said on Facebook, “This morning we had a reason to look back. We were hurt, but we’ve got stronger. Once again I caught myself thinking that God is still on our side. Many things could have gone worse. But it happened the way the Ukrainians needed. I want God to help every Ukrainian soldier on the front line.”

Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov said that every Ukrainian changed over a year of the full-scale war.

“However, our fundamental features will remain unchanged. We won’t stop fighting. We will not stop recovering. Let’s not stop getting better,” he said on Facebook.

Kubrakov also thanked the Armed Forces of Ukraine for every new day, for the bravery to fight and win in the most difficult conditions.

“The courage of our defenders changed world history and won the hearts of people all over the world. We will always be grateful to our heroes for this. Thanks to them Ukraine survived. The anger of the enemy, the skeptical forecasts of experts, the doubts of partners,” Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said on Instagram.

He stressed that the faith in Ukraine is the reason why it persevered and why it will definitely win.

Defense Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov said that the country is entering a new period with a new task – to win.

“Victory is when there is Ukraine. It will be sovereign and independent within internationally recognized borders. Successful, wealthy, strong. And there will be no Russia in the current form,” he said on Facebook.

There is no uncertainty today unlike a year ago, the minister said.

Culture and Information Policy Minister of Ukraine Oleksandr Tkachenko said, “We have changed. We changed the world. Only the goal, for which we have been fighting for many years, did not change. For the sake of our children, our freedom and values of a democratic and European state. Year of indestructibility for the sake of our future. We are the victory!”

Youth and Sports Minister of Ukraine Vadym Gutzeit, who is also the President of the National Olympic Committee, said that Ukraine continues to fight for its victory.

“For the sake of our relatives and the dreams of our children! For the sake of the dreams of our athletes and all Ukrainians! The war made us stronger. And our unity became the basis of successful resistance. Ukrainians demonstrated to the whole world examples of courage, resilience and bravery in the face of a cruel enemy. We believe in our Defenders, who hold the sky above us and protect our lands! We have survived – we will win!” he said on Facebook.

Education and Science Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Shkarlet recalled that a year ago on this day students were packing their backpacks the essentials instead of school supplies, feeling the fear and anxiety of their confused parents.

“The time when, instead of a morning alarm clock, all of Ukraine shuddered at the whistle of missiles and an air raid syrens. Teachers, children, pupils, students, scientists – every Ukrainian stood up for the defense of the Motherland, every one on his or her front. Despite the losses, we did not stop, moreover, we got organized and acted. We became each other’s support, we experienced pain and anxiety together,” he said on the Telegram channel.

According to Shkarlet, despite the fact that the familiar and comfortable classroom, where the laughter and chirping of children could be heard, was destroyed and burned by the enemy invasion, the students continued to study, and the teachers, even often without the walls of their own house, held classes under the open sky or in bomb shelter.

“February 24 is the date that changed the life of every Ukrainian and the whole world forever. Split it into before and after. A year ago, Ukrainians woke up to the explosions which wanted to destroy our country, our faith and our life. Today we wake up with a firm conviction – a great Victory is ours,” Health Minister Viktor Liashko said on Facebook.

He also said that, as a minister, he is incredibly proud of Ukrainian doctors, who have been holding the medical front since the first day of a full-scale invasion.

“Ukraine, in spite of everything, survived and continues to fight with faith in victory! I thank everyone for their strength, faith and struggle! Together we will win! Let’s continue to be united!” Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine Yulia Laputina said.