By Olena Harmash

KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy marked the primary anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion on Friday with a sombre message of defiance to his individuals and tears for the 1000’s of troopers who’ve died.

On a chilly, cloudy morning in Kyiv, the 45-year-old addressed members of Ukraine’s armed forces and a small gathering of dignitaries in St Sophia Sq., subsequent to the green- and gold-domed cathedral that could be a image of the town’s resilience.

“I need to say to all of you who’re preventing for Ukraine … I’m pleased with you. All of us, each one, are pleased with you!”

As he has performed all through the battle, Zelenskiy confirmed his emotions within the 30-minute ceremony, choking again emotion as he gave out Hero of Ukraine awards to troops – certainly one of whom was on crutches – and to the mom of a soldier who had been killed.

As a band performed the nationwide anthem, there have been tears in his eyes. These current bowed their heads for a minute’s silence.

Zelenskiy stays massively common in Ukraine, connecting with the inhabitants by day by day messages filmed on a smartphone, and dealing to take care of worldwide help within the type of monetary support and weapons.

In a packed programme, Zelenskiy gave state awards to navy chaplains at Kyiv’s historic Lavra monastery advanced, visited wounded troopers present process remedy in a hospital, and hosted Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Poland allowed thousands and thousands of refugees to cross from Ukraine early within the battle and has been a detailed ally all through. It introduced on Friday {that a} first batch of Leopard tanks have been already in Ukraine, as Zelenskiy pushes for extra heavy weaponry.

‘WE WOKE EARLY AND HAVEN’T SLEPT SINCE’

The president’s workplace launched a particular deal with of almost quarter-hour titled “The 12 months of Invincibility” for the anniversary.

“A yr in the past on today, from this similar place, round seven within the morning, I addressed you with a short assertion, lasting solely 67 seconds,” he mentioned, recalling the primary day of what has develop into Europe’s worst battle since World Struggle Two.

“‘…We’re sturdy. We’re prepared for something. We are going to defeat everybody’. That is the way it started on February 24, 2022. The longest day of our lives. Probably the most tough day in our latest historical past. We awakened early and have not slept since.”

Western navy officers estimate casualties on either side at greater than 100,000 killed or wounded. Tens of 1000’s of civilians are additionally feared to have died, whereas thousands and thousands have fled the specter of preventing.

“Nearly everybody has at the very least one contact of their cellphone that can by no means decide up the cellphone once more,” Zelenskiy mentioned. “He who won’t reply to the SMS ‘How are you?’. These … easy phrases acquired a brand new which means through the yr of the battle.”

Ukrainian forces repelled Russia’s advance on Kyiv early in 2022, and the battle, which Moscow calls a “particular navy operation” to guard its safety, has develop into certainly one of grinding trench warfare within the east and south.

In latest months, Russia has additionally focused Ukraine’s energy grid, inflicting blackouts and lack of water and warmth for thousands and thousands throughout the nation.

With each international locations exhibiting no signal of backing down, the prospects of an finish to the preventing any time quickly look bleak.

Zelenskiy praised his individuals.

“We grew to become one huge military,” he mentioned. “We have now develop into a group the place somebody finds, somebody packs, somebody brings, however everybody contributes.

“We face up to all threats, shelling, cluster bombs, cruise missiles, kamikaze drones, blackouts and chilly. We’re stronger than that,” he mentioned. “We weren’t defeated. And we are going to do all the pieces to realize victory this yr!”

Click on on the hyperlink to take heed to the Reuters World Information Podcast Particular anniversary episode: The Ukraine battle