With Ukraine’s Independence Day approaching next week, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects more Russian attacks. Russia could try to do “something particularly horrific and particularly violent” next week, he said in his evening’s video speech.
The national holiday on August 24 also marks the beginning of the Russian war of aggression six months ago. “We should be aware that next week Russia could try to do something particularly heinous and extremely violent. This is our enemy. But Russia has been doing something horrific and violent every week for these six months, constantly,” Zelenskyy said in a video address on Sunday night.
‘Occupation in Crimea only temporary’
In his speech, Zelenskyi also addressed Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. “You can feel that Crimea is up in the air this year, that the occupation there is temporary and that Ukraine is coming back,” the president said. Most recently, the peninsula on which the Russian Black Sea Fleet is stationed was shaken by several explosions. Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility for the incidents, but there are indications that it may have been involved.
Ukrainians should not allow Moscow to spread despondency and fear around the upcoming 31st anniversary of its independence from the Soviet government, Zelenskyy said. August 24 gets extra symbolism this year as it also marks the beginning of the Russian war against Ukraine six months ago.
All-day curfew in Kharkiv
Authorities in the second-largest Ukrainian city of Kharkiv have announced that the curfew, which normally only applies at night, will be in effect all day on Wednesday. “Stay at home and listen to the warnings,” the regional governor wrote on the Telegram messenger service. The city in the northeast of the country is regularly shelled by Russian soldiers.
Thousands of dead and millions have fled since the start of the war. Relations between the West and Russia are in the deepest crisis since the Cold War.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
