On Friday, the war in Ukraine reached its second year with no end in sight, a U.N. vote demanding Russia withdraw its forces, and world leaders ready to boost Ukraine aid and slap additional penalties on Moscow and its allies.
On the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine’s allies showed their support.
“If you stand for freedom, stand for Ukraine” was the banner during a London vigil where Ukrainian flag-draped people held hands on their hearts. Paris lit up the Eiffel Tower in blue and yellow.
“Ukraine will win,” Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo stated.
On Thursday, the U.N. General Assembly unanimously demanded Russia withdraw and halt the fighting.
One hundred forty-one supported, and 32 abstained. Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, Mali, Nicaragua, and Syria voted nay.
Russia’s ally China abstained.
Russia’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy called the U.N. measure “useless.”
Volodymyr Zelenskiy praised the vote.
“This resolution is a powerful symbol of unflagging worldwide solidarity for Ukraine,” he tweeted.
As the anniversary approached, the Ukraine military reported heightened Russian action in the east and south, with 25 towns and villages in three northern areas bordering the Russian border under fire.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 last year to grab Kyiv and overthrow the pro-European government. Still, a robust defense and military blunders embarrassed Moscow.
In late 2022, Ukraine’s counter-offensives reclaimed much of its lost territory. Almost 20% of Ukraine is under Russian influence.
