Last Friday, 24th of February, the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops completed one year. I don't understand how somebody try to find reasons to justify the stupid Russian agression towards Ukraine. The government of the biggest country in the world with more than 17 million sq.km, thinks that it isn't enough and to want more territory. I hope still this year all the world can celebrate the end of this war and with the happy end that all the world is waiting for, with the victory of Ukraine. And with Ukraine receiving reparations for all damages and suffering of its people. All nations of the world need to do more to preserve peace and to punish anyone trying to break this peace. This post is a summary of two articles. The first was published at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-news-russia-war-1-year-zelenskyy-sees-victory-ahead/. The second was published at https://www.ft.com/content/a05c3b2e-6893-48b6-94a4-02f35f80d79b
"We endured. We were not defeated. And we will do everything to gain victory this year," Zelensky said in a statement released on social media, adding that his country had "inspired the world. Ukraine has united the world." A year ago to the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin stunned the world by sending troops across the border in a move seen as punishment for Kyiv's pivot to the West. The year-long war has devastated swathes of Ukraine, displaced millions, turned Russia into a pariah in the West and, according to Western sources, has caused more than 150,000 casualties on each side. The West has imposed increasingly stringent sanctions on Russia and ramped up humanitarian aid and arms supplies for Ukraine, leading to warnings from Moscow of a dangerous escalation. "One year later, Kyiv stands. Ukraine stands. Democracy stands. America and the world stands with Ukraine." Said American President Joe Biden. According to a recent Ukrainian poll, 17% of respondents said they had lost a loved one in the war. Around 95% of Ukrainians say they are confident of Kyiv's victory. The Russian assault was launched with the goal of a rapid conquest leading to capitulation and the installation of a pro-Moscow regime. But Russian forces failed to conquer Kyiv and have since suffered defeats in northeastern and southern Ukraine. Since October, Russia has pummeled Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leading to power shortages that have left millions in the cold and dark. For years the Kremlin has been putting Russian society on a war footing, with independent media banned and prominent critics jailed or pushed out of the country. Record oil and gas profits helped to prop up Russia's output in 2022. Energy profits of $168bn helped the Kremlin compensate for western efforts to shut Russia out of global markets and supply chains, a result that Putin proudly celebrated in January. GDP slipped just 2.1% versus forecasts of 10%. But Russia's budget deficit is expected to rise to 3.5% of GDP in 2023. Income from energy, which accounts for about 40% of government revenue, is falling and is expected to drop 23% this year. Military spending, meanwhile, has ballooned. To compensate for the increase in defence spending, which now accounts for a third of all budget spending approved for 2023, the Kremlin has been preparing to cut its fiscal expenditure and reliance on international capital markets. Over a thousand people marched in solidary with Ukraine towards the Russia embassy in London on Friday as they protested against Russia's invasion on its one year anniversary. Ukraine's ambassador to the U.K., said the march would remind Russia of the very lives taken in the war as he thanked attendees and "all nations standing with us." The demonstration brought together supporters chanting for "more sanctions for Russia and more weapons for Ukraine" as they waved flags from across the world including Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. The World Bank has announced a further $2.5bn grant financing to Ukraine on the anniversary of Russia's invasion. In a statement, the World Bank said the money would support a range of social functions in the war-torn country, including healthcare, education and pensions. "One year into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the world continues to witness the horrific destruction inflicted on the country and its people," said World Bank president David Malpass. Some Republicans have become critical of the U.S. sending billions of aid to Ukraine, and have proposed increased oversight of the funds sent abroad and even halting additional aid. Although Republicans Leaders Senators support aid to Ukraine, nearly half of Republicans think the U.S. is doing "too much" to help Ukraine, according to a Gallup poll. "We need to follow very American dollar," said Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, adding, "We need make sure it gets to where it needs to be going and it is not stolen." More than 35 cities and towns across the U.S. are holding events marking the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken is in N.Y.C. for the U.N. Security Council meeting on Ukraine. There are at least four events in N.Y.C. , according to the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. Klych, a group that supports Ukrainian culture, will host rallies in many cities on weekend, called 365 Days of Defending Freedom. "The support of the international community is crucial in helping Ukraine defend its independence and freedom, " said the group in a Facebook post. U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken emphasised Russia's isolation and tattered reputation on the global stage as he pledged the U.S. would stand with Ukraine until its sovereignty is respected. "Putin's decision has ripped apart families, forced millions from their communities, destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, exarcerbated a global food crisis, destabilised energy markets and undermined international peace and security, " Blinken said.Russia's invasion has needlessly killed tens of thousands of people and brought harm to millions, the secretary added.