kyiv, 16 apr. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated believers on the occasion of Orthodox Easter, which Ukraine said it celebrates “with unshakable faith” in victory against Russia, in a speech in which he for once abandoned his military garb to wear a traditional embroidered shirt.
“Today we celebrate the feast of the Resurrection of the Lord. Its main symbol is victory: the victory of good, the victory of truth, the victory of life. We celebrate Easter with unshakable faith in the irreversibility of these victories,” he declared. in a video distributed by the Presidential Office.
Zelensky recalled how in late winter last year, the Russian invasion brought “death, pain and darkness”, which however failed to weaken the Ukrainians’ desire for freedom and their willingness to defend their country.
“We have kept the light within. We have defeated panic, fear, quarrels and quarrels. We have united. Millions of sparks in millions of Ukrainian hearts have turned into a great bonfire,” the president said.
Zelensky noted that Ukraine has come a long way since then, although perhaps the most difficult moments of its odyssey are still ahead, despite which “the sun will rise again over our entire country.”
“This very day a year ago, we were all praying for Ukraine to resist. Now, for Ukraine to be victorious. We not only sat and asked for it, but we won and created this victory ourselves,” Zelensky said.
Easter represents “the light of rebirth”, which he equated with the reconstruction of the country, as well as “the light of truth”, which implies the rule of law and justice that will punish those responsible for the invasion, he said.
The president also recalled those who “gave their lives for the country” and asked God to protect “all those who continue to defend the country.”
“Christ is risen. He is truly risen,” concluded his message. EFE
int-cph/lab
