Zelenskiy’s Easter Message: Resilience and Hope Amidst War

On Easter Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy delivered a poignant message of resilience and hope, urging compatriots to maintain their faith in the possibility of peace after 1,152 days of conflict. Addressing the nation from the iconic Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of unity and perseverance amidst ongoing adversities. Dressed in a traditional Ukrainian vyshyvanka embroidered shirt, Zelenskiy recorded a heartfelt social media message where he declared that faith thrives among the people of Ukraine. He stated, “Because this faith is in each other. In those who stand next to you. In Ukrainian men, in Ukrainian women. Faith that evil may have its hour but God will have his day.” His comments came on the heels of Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a temporary ceasefire declared for Easter, a significant day for both Orthodox and Western Christian traditions. However, Zelenskiy observed that despite this declaration, the Russian military continued to execute offensive operations, suggesting that the announcement served only as a facade. Zelenskiy reiterated Ukraine's resolve, saying, “We know what we are defending. We know what we are fighting for. For whom and for whose sake.” He expressed a vision for a future marked by peace, proclaiming, “The day of life will come. The day of peace. The day of Ukraine. A day that lasts a century. And we will be able to gather together again. At one table. On a peaceful Easter.” (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk in Kyiv and Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by William Mallard)