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Ukraine has liberated nearly 1,000 settlements from Russian invaders, President Vladimir Zelensky announced late Wednesday.
Zelensky’s speech focused on the prospect of Ukraine’s accession to the European Union on the occasion of the visit of European Council President Charles Michel. “This is the historic moment in which we can develop the maximum speed for joining the European Union,” he said. “We have already proved that Ukrainian state and public institutions are effective enough to withstand even the test of war. We are already doing as much to protect the freedom of the European continent as other nations have never done. “
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In this context, the president highlighted Ukraine’s success in rebuilding communities that had been occupied by Russian forces earlier in the conflict. During Russia’s initial invasion, Moscow’s forces took up positions around the capital, Kyiv, and laid siege to it for about a month. In recent weeks, however, Russia has shifted its war to eastern and southern Ukraine, especially in the breakaway region of Donbass.
Kyiv, UKRAINE – MARCH 11, 2022 – President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is pictured during his regular address to the nation, Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. The head of state said that we have already reached a strategic turn and are moving towards our victory. The photo with custom sizes was provided by the press service of the Cabinet of the President of Ukraine. (UKRINFORM / Ukrinform / Future publication via Getty Images | getty)
Russia’s withdrawal from the outskirts of Kyiv has shocked the world, as Ukrainians and visitors have seen mass graves and scenes of torture and devastation in cities like Bucha. However, Zelensky stressed his country’s ability to rebuild such communities, saying the achievement proves Ukraine’s suitability to join the EU.
“The return to normal life of the liberated cities and communities of Ukraine continues,” the president said. “934 settlements have already been liberated. Police resumed work in 435 settlements. The local self-government in 431 settlements started working. The work of the humanitarian headquarters in 361 settlements has started. “
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“We are gradually restoring people’s access to medical and educational services, to social protection bodies,” Zelenski added. “We are restoring road infrastructure, electricity, gas and water.
Irina Zubchenko walks with her dog Max amid the devastation caused by the shelling of a shopping center in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Monday. (AP / Rodrigo Abd)
The president cited many remaining threats, such as “mines and mines planted by the occupiers and shells that did not explode,” noting that it takes a lot of time and effort “to neutralize everyone.”
“Once again, I call on our citizens returning to the liberated communities to be very careful,” he warned. “Do not enter territory that has not yet been inspected. Do not enter the forest yet. If you see something resembling a mine or mine, report it immediately to the police and rescuers. Don’t procrastinate or try to remove the dangerous items yourself. “
The president also celebrated the return of diplomatic teams to Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at a joint press conference with the President of the European Council in Kyiv on March 3, 2021 (Photo by SERGEY DOLZHENKO / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
“It is important that the EU delegation and the embassies of friendly countries resume their work in Kyiv,” he said. “This is one of the signals needed to tell Russia that there is no alternative to peace. There is no alternative to ending the war and ensuring full security for Ukraine. The more diplomatic missions return to work in our capital, the stronger this important signal will be. “
Zelenski noted that 18 foreign missions have returned to work in the capital, including missions from Italy, Iran, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, the Holy See, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, France, the Czech Republic and Estonia.
The president acknowledged Russia’s current offensive in the east and south, noting that the situation there remains “possibly difficult”.
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“The occupiers are not giving up trying to win at least some victory for themselves through a new large-scale offensive,” he said. “At least something they can ‘feed’ their propagandists.”
Russian forces have nearly captured the strategic city of Mariupol, and a Ukrainian Marine commander issued a desperate request for a retrieval on Wednesday.
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