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Ukraine’s pro-democracy, pro-Europe demonstrations in Maidan sq. a decade in the past marked the “first victory” in its battle with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared on the anniversary of the favored protest motion.
Practically 100 civilians died in violent clashes with safety forces when Ukrainians took to the streets of the capital in 2013, demanding to maneuver Ukraine out of the orbit of Vladimir Putin’s Russia and “be part of” the household of European democracies to which it “traditionally belongs”.
The “Revolution of Dignity” protests finally led to the ouster of Kremlin-backed President Victor Yanukovych and gave area to the rise of a brand new technology of anticorruption, pro-democracy motion leaders.
“The primary victory in immediately’s battle passed off. A victory towards indifference. A victory of braveness. The victory of the Revolution of Dignity,” Zelenskyy mentioned in an announcement on Tuesday.
He praised his nation’s progress in the direction of gaining membership within the European Union since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February of final yr.
“12 months after yr, step-by-step, we do our greatest to make sure that our star shines within the circle of stars on the EU flag, which symbolises the unity of the peoples of Europe. The star of Ukraine,” he mentioned.
His feedback come as Russian forces chip away at Ukraine’s sovereignty and proceed their full-on invasion of their smaller neighbour.
Present of help
Various overseas leaders made journeys to Kyiv in a present of solidarity. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived by practice for an unannounced go to to reaffirm Berlin’s backing for Ukraine in its struggle towards Russia’s troops.
“I’m right here once more, firstly to pledge additional help, but additionally to precise our solidarity and deep bond and likewise our admiration for the brave, courageous and dear struggle that’s being waged right here,” he mentioned laying flowers at Maidan sq. in central Kyiv.
Additionally in Kyiv on Tuesday, European Council President Charles Michel, shared a put up on the social media platform X, saying it was “Good to be again in Kyiv – amongst buddies”. He posted an image of himself shaking fingers with the EU ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova.
Moldova’s President Maia Sandu arrived in Kyiv early on Tuesday to affix Zelenskyy in honouring the reminiscence of those that died throughout the Revolution of Dignity, her workplace mentioned on X.
United States Secretary of Protection Lloyd Austin made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Monday “to fulfill with Ukrainian leaders and reinforce the staunch help of the US for Ukraine’s struggle for freedom”, the Pentagon mentioned in an announcement.
The UK’s overseas secretary, David Cameron, visited Ukraine last week to underline British help for Kyiv amid its ongoing battle with Russia. He instructed Zelenskyy the UK would help Ukraine for “nonetheless lengthy it takes”.
Bitter rival?
The Russian Ministry of International Affairs commented on the anniversary of Maidan protests by blaming Ukraine and the West for the present battle during which practically 10,000 folks have misplaced their lives.
International Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova questioned what the dream of Europe had introduced Ukraine.
“From a affluent, industrially developed, densely populated ex-Soviet republic, Ukraine has become an impoverished, dying territory,” she mentioned, in line with feedback revealed on the International Ministry web site.
Ukraine had misplaced its independence on account of the Maidan occasions, she mentioned. “Western colonisers decide its home and overseas coverage.”
Russia’s International Ministry additionally made statements saying Russia can’t coexist with the “regime” in Ukraine.
“The present regime is completely poisonous, we don’t see any choices for co-existence with it in the intervening time,” Russian ambassador-at-large Rodion Miroshnik mentioned on Tuesday.
He additional acknowledged that to ensure that the battle to finish, Ukraine should be “de-militarised and de-nazified” in order to not be deemed a menace to Russia.
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