Ukraine marked the three-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion on Monday, a somber day for Ukrainians who remember loved ones lost and previous lives. President Volodymyr Zelensky set a reflective tone by posting a video praising Ukrainians’ sacrifices and honoring those who died.
Without major ceremonies, many Ukrainians commemorated fallen soldiers at memorials, including the central Maidan Square in Kyiv. The memorial wall, adorned with hundreds of photographs of dead soldiers, evoked strong emotions from visitors like Olha Vitko, who said she had come to see the cost of the country’s sacrifices.
The anniversary comes as Ukraine faces heightened anxiety due to recent remarks by President Trump and his push towards Russia. Ukrainian soldier Denys Riapolov urged allies not to turn away, saying, “If the world truly wants to fight for human values, democracy, and understanding, they have a clear example here in Ukraine.”
Ukrainian refugees like Olha Shtepan, who fled her home and family to escape the invasion, still feel the pain of that day. In Germany, she broke down in tears, recalling the horrors of February 2022, when Russia attacked.
Across Ukraine, memorials have been erected, some as remnants of destroyed cars, while others are newly created as the war continues. A public organization has also created an interactive heart sculpture at the central railway station in Kyiv, which collects messages in memory of those who died and beats faster with each new tribute.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/24/world/europe/ukraine-war-anniversary-zelensky.html