War in Ukraine: a year of fighting

Military music resounds in the center of kyiv. A sober and moving ceremony, in front of the Sainte-Sophie cathedral. Last year on this day, the first missiles fell on the city. For President Zelensky, this anniversary of the start of the invasion is an opportunity to proclaim loud and clear that Ukraine will achieve victory. This year, he pays tribute to the soldiers. A wreath is laid in front of the memorial to fallen soldiers. The authorities do not communicate on the number of dead, but there would be more than 100,000.

“A defining day”

For the population, this day of remembrance is necessary. Many families are separated, pain and sadness have invaded their daily lives, but the Ukrainians have managed to stay united. “We are here today, because it is a defining day. It has been a year since the beginning of the war. And I hope there will not be another anniversary”, says a Ukrainian woman. The kyiv Opera was, Thursday, February 23 in the evening, illuminated in the colors of Ukraine. Early Friday morning, President Zelensky shared a first message on social networks. In Lviv, light beams were installed in tribute to those who fell.