As Ukraine celebrates its 31st Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned the populace to be on the lookout for Russian aggression and urged Ukrainians to abide by the curfew.
Zelenskyy stated, “Tomorrow is a crucial day for all of us,” in his night-time address on Tuesday. And as a result, this day is regrettably significant for our adversary as well. We must be conscious of the possibility of evil Russian provocations and terrible strikes tomorrow. The Ukrainian military would take all necessary precautions to safeguard its citizens, he added.
Zelenskyy said, “we will certainly respond to any manifestation of Russian terror. But please follow the safety rules strictly. Please observe the curfew. Pay attention to the air sirens. Pay attention to official announcements.”
The US on Tuesday urged all its citizens to leave the country, saying it believed Russia would target civilian and government infrastructure in the next few days, The Guardian reported.
Ukraine celebrates its 31st Independence on Wednesday marking its independence from the Soviet Union. Instead of the traditional parade down Kyiv’s main street, authorities have lined the road with captured and destroyed Russian military equipment.
It has been exactly six months since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine. But that wasn’t the only anniversary being marked Wednesday: It’s also Ukraine’s Independence Day, and officials from Kyiv to Washington have warned that Russia could launch new attacks to mark both occasions.
Despite the threat, CBS News correspondent Debora Patta said Ukrainians were choosing to celebrate their country’s 31 years of independence from what used to be the Soviet Union with their trademark defiance, not fear.
Russian tanks destroyed over the last six months of grueling warfare were put on display in the streets of Kyiv.
