Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy marked a somber milestone on May 3, commemorating the 800th day since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
In an address to Ukraine’s border guard personnel, Zelenskiy emphasized the need for unity and determination to thwart Russia’s plans, as Ukrainian authorities reported that Russian shelling had killed at least three people in the Donetsk region, including a 12-year-old child.
Zelenskiy acknowledged Ukraine’s immense challenges and the difficult path ahead to achieve a fair and lasting peace. He warned of a new stage in the war, with Russia preparing to expand its offensive operations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy (Credits: Reuters)
The Ukrainian leader called on all Ukrainians and Ukraine’s allies to do everything possible to block Russia’s plans and prove that the enemy will not achieve its goals, no matter how brutal its actions.
Moscow’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claimed that the Kremlin is willing to consider “serious” proposals to settle the conflict, but only based on existing “realities” and Russia’s security concerns. This includes a commitment by Kyiv to remain militarily neutral in the future. However, Ukraine has repeatedly rejected these conditions in the past.
On the battlefield, the intensity of the conflict continues to take a devastating toll. In addition to the three fatalities in the Donetsk region, authorities reported that a Russian missile strike hit housing and infrastructure sites in the Kirovohrad region, severely injuring one person. The accuracy of battlefield claims cannot be immediately verified due to the intense violence in the areas.
Zelensky (Credits: AXIOS)
Russia has escalated its missile attacks on Ukrainian civilian and infrastructure sites in recent months, prompting Ukrainian leaders to urge Western allies to expedite deliveries of air defense systems and other weapons.
Despite Russia’s denials, there is overwhelming evidence of attacks on civilian sites, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and underscoring the need for a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict.
