A commemoration ceremony was held at the Ukrainian Embassy in Ankara to mark the 1000th day of the Russia-Ukraine war.
The event, hosted at the embassy, was attended by Ukraine’s Ambassador to Ankara, Vasyl Bodnar; Head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye, Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski; Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Olexandr Mischenko; and numerous other ambassadors. The ceremony began with the Ukrainian national anthem and a moment of silence.
DETERMINATION AND COURAGE
Mischenko, who previously served as Ukraine’s Ambassador to Ankara, expressed his satisfaction that his first international visit in his new role was to Türkiye. He noted that Russia had launched its actions against Ukraine 1000 days ago. Highlighting the “determination and courage” of the Ukrainian people, alongside international support, he emphasized that these efforts had thwarted Russia’s plans.
“Throughout these 1000 days, Russia has tried to advance further on the frontlines, kill and injure Ukrainian civilians, forcibly deport our children to Russia, and erase the Ukrainian state and nation from the map,” Mischenko stated.
RESISTANCE CONTINUES
Mischenko underscored that Ukraine continues to resist Russia’s attempts to advance on the battlefield, adding that since February 2022, Russia has suffered irreplaceable losses. Despite Russia’s global disinformation campaigns, Ukraine remains steadfast in its defense, Mischenko said and thanked the attendees for standing by his country.
THE HARDEST WINTER
Thomas Hans Ossowski remarked that Russia’s attacks on Ukraine were unacceptable and posed a “constant threat to global security.” He stated, “This year marks Ukraine’s third winter in the war, and Russia is attempting to make it the hardest one yet.” Ossowski revealed that Russia had sent over 1,300 drones to Ukraine in October, inflicting immense suffering and losses on millions of Ukrainians.
Ambassador Bodnar also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the support extended to Ukraine symbolized support for “freedom, democracy, and the fundamental values of peace.” He said, “We are not only commemorating an anniversary; we are also remembering the people who have suffered immensely, the soldiers who lost their lives in the war, and the civilians injured during attacks on Ukraine.”
Following the speeches, attendees toured the “Support Ukraine” poster exhibition, organized by the Pictoric Illustrators Club, a group of Ukrainian illustrators.
