Ukraine’s pro-democracy, pro-Europe demonstrations in Maidan sq. a decade in the past marked the “first victory” in its conflict with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared on the anniversary of the favored protest motion.
Almost 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 a 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 at the moment’s conflict befell. A victory in opposition to 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 direction of gaining membership within the European Union since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February of final 12 months.
“12 months after 12 months, 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
Plenty of 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 battle in opposition to Russia’s troops.
“I’m right here once more, firstly to pledge additional help, but additionally to specific our solidarity and deep bond and in addition our admiration for the brave, courageous and dear battle 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 submit on the social media platform X, saying it was “Good to be again in Kyiv – amongst pals”. He posted an image of himself shaking palms 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 in the course of the Revolution of Dignity, her workplace mentioned on X.
United States Secretary of Protection Lloyd Austin made an unannounced go to to Kyiv on Monday “to fulfill with Ukrainian leaders and reinforce the staunch help of america for Ukraine’s battle for freedom”, the Pentagon mentioned in an announcement.
The UK’s overseas secretary, David Cameron, visited Ukraine final week to underline British help for Kyiv amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. He advised Zelenskyy the UK would help Ukraine for “nevertheless lengthy it takes”.
Bitter rival?
The Russian Ministry of Overseas Affairs commented on the anniversary of Maidan protests by blaming Ukraine and the West for the present conflict by which practically 10,000 individuals have misplaced their lives.
Overseas 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 became an impoverished, dying territory,” she mentioned, based on feedback printed on the Overseas Ministry web site.
Ukraine had misplaced its independence because of the Maidan occasions, she mentioned. “Western colonisers decide its home and overseas coverage.”
Russia’s Overseas Ministry additionally made statements saying Russia can not coexist with the “regime” in Ukraine.
“The present regime is totally 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 conflict to finish, Ukraine should be “de-militarised and de-nazified” in order to not be deemed a menace to Russia.
