Zelensky addressed Ukrainians on 100th day of war
Photo: OPU
For 100 days of Russia's full-scale invasion after eight years of war, Ukrainians continued to fight for three words: peace, victory, and Ukraine.
This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.
Key points from the President's address
➡️ Exactly one hundred days ago, we all woke up in a different reality. Exactly one hundred days ago, we woke up differently. When Ukrainians are awakened not by the sun's rays but by the explosions of missiles that hit our homes, completely different Ukrainians wake up.
➡️ In 2014, Russia came to us with one word, a new one. And this is the word "war". On February 24, Russia added another one, making the phrase "full-scale war."
➡️ And for hundred days, we found or received, saw, or wanted to erase other words. There are few of them. They are different. But they reflect what we have experienced. It will be right to remember all of them today. One hundred days – one hundred words.
➡️ First of all these are two words: "our heroes". These are the people who have been defending our country from the night of February 24 until today. And then – the Ukrainian words: "palyanytsia", "Armed Forces", "Stuhna", "Cossack", "Zmiinyi" and … Of course, "Chornobaivka" – is one word that has sounded many times and in which you can see everything about our resistance, and about our enemies.
➡️ And also – foreign words that have become native to Ukraine: "Bayraktar", "Harpoon", "HIMARS", "Starlink", "Rzeszow" and … Of course, "lend-lease" – another word, just one, which reflects 100 days of struggle, one hundred days of diplomacy, one hundred days of support. And a word that reflects something important about our mindset. Javelins, which frightened their enemies because they did not expect that armor wouldn't save them. And then a smile, our smile, when Ukrainians also painted "Saint Javelin". And, of course, the word for which all Ukrainians cheer – "Neptune".
➡️ Every day, the words that are much more than just words for everyone appear. Those are difficult words. Hostomel, Borodianka, Okhtyrka, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Izum, Melitopol, Mariupol and Azovstal.
➡️ And with them – "army", "arta", "marines", "border guards", "intelligence", "National Guard", "police", "defense", "aviation", "our heroic pilots" … And also the word "ghost". The ghost of Kyiv. Who was destroying enemies and survived.
➡️ There were also words that our enemy wanted to erase. "Volnovakha" and "Saltivka", "Popasna" and "Sievierodonetsk". These are words that we will definitely write again. But in our way. Just like "Bucha". And as "Mariupol". And we will write them next to the word "tribunal".
➡️ For the other words – "filtration", "deportation", "torture", "shooting", "carpet bombing", "missile strike" – Russia must answer. The answer is just one word – "justice". Justice that will become a finish line after the words, temporary for us — "occupation", "Mordor", "orcs".
➡️ A lot has changed. When we hear the word "Patron", we remember the most famous sapper of Ukraine. And when we hear the "marathon", we realize that this is not about sports.
➡️ And, of course, many deadly words have been added to our vocabulary. The words that no Ukrainian man or woman has ever wanted to see. "Iskanders", "Calibers", "Solntsepeki", "phosphorus bombs" and others.
➡️ And one more phrase is worth mentioning – "the second army of the world". At first, it looked threatening. Then it was dangerous. After Bucha, it repulsed us. And now it brings only a bitter smile. Because what's left of it? War crimes, shame, and hatred.
➡️ There will be many more words that everyone will know. Which will make sense for everyone. And which will give a chance to millions. These are the words "reconstruction", "candidacy" and "membership", "guarantees" and "security". And definitely the word "comeback". Of course, based on the word that was a dream, but will become a reality – "liberation".
➡️ Words about where the enemy warship is heading and will always head. About what to do with the occupiers when someone says: "Vova!" And, of course, our native and known to everyone – "Good evening, we are from Ukraine!".
➡️ From Ukraine where the field is flourishing, and she is going gray. From Ukraine that stood, stands, and will stand. Ukraine, whose glory and freedom have not yet perished. Ukraine, to which we say: "Glory"! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the nation! And everyone knows how it continues — "Death to the enemies!"
➡️ Because there are three words for which we have been fighting for a hundred days after eight years: "peace", "victory", and "Ukraine".
