Three years of the Great War: Zelensky and state leaders expressed gratitude to everyone defending Ukraine.

As reported by Ukrinform, this is mentioned on the President's page on Facebook.

"Three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude. Three years of absolute heroism by Ukrainians. I am proud of Ukraine! Thank you to everyone who defends it and helps. To all who work for Ukraine. And eternal memory to everyone who gave their life for our state and our people," emphasized Zelensky.

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The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated that the Ukrainian people are valiantly withstanding Russian strikes. This was noted on the commander’s page on Facebook.

According to him, today, February 24, marks three years since the beginning of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking a new phase of the war for independence that Russia unleashed against Ukraine during these same February days 11 years ago.

"The world did not believe we would hold out, but the Ukrainian people are valiantly resisting enemy attacks. We have defeated the Russian offensive group, pushed the invaders away from Kyiv, and liberated northern Ukraine, Kharkiv region, and Kherson," emphasized Syrskyi.

The Ukrainian defense forces have reclaimed over 50% of the territory captured by the Russians after February 24, 2022, conducting several effective defensive and offensive operations, the general noted.

"Our ability to act asymmetrically is one of the defining features of this war. The Kursk operation is proof of that. It prevented an enemy offensive on Sumy and Kharkiv regions. For the first time in 11 years, we have shifted large-scale combat operations onto enemy territory and continue to hold hundreds of square kilometers of Kursk," remarked the commander-in-chief.

As Syrskyi emphasized, "the advance in the east comes at a heavy cost for the occupiers. Over three years, the enemy has lost nearly 870,000 soldiers and officers (of which the irretrievable losses of the Russians amount to about 250,000), more than 10.1 thousand tanks, 21.1 thousand armored combat vehicles, and 23.3 thousand artillery systems. This list of enemy losses can go on. We are also hitting the enemy deep into its territory using Deep Strike capabilities. We systematically destroy weapon depots, airfields, military, and fuel enterprises in the Russian Federation, depriving the aggressor of resources to continue the war."

According to Syrskyi, "Kyiv, which the Russians aimed to capture in 'three days,' remains standing three years later. In 2022, the aggressor wanted to cut us off from the sea, preparing to land troops near Odesa. Today, the Russian Black Sea Fleet has virtually ceased to exist—we have driven its remnants into the bays of Novorossiysk. With the support of our Western partners and our own efforts, we are strengthening our defensive capabilities while reorganizing the Armed Forces to enhance their effectiveness."

The commander-in-chief added that "Ukrainian engineers and IT specialists have written a new chapter in the history of military art. This war is the first where drones play a key role, and we are the first in the world to create Drone Forces."

"With their skills and resilience, our soldiers hold back an enemy that outnumbers us in both personnel and resources. I am proud of each and every one of those who defend our state! I am honored to be the commander-in-chief of such warriors at this time. My sincere gratitude goes to the citizens of Ukraine who support the Defense Forces through donations or volunteer activities. Together with you, we demonstrate to the whole world what Ukrainian unity is. And that the main ally of the Ukrainian people is its Armed Forces," stated Syrskyi.

He also thanked partners and allies who support the Armed Forces of Ukraine in their fight for independence at the eastern outpost of the free world.

"On this day, I want to remember all those who gave their lives for the freedom of Ukraine. Eternal memory and glory to them! A low bow to every Ukrainian family that has lost a son or father, daughter or mother, brother or sister in the war against the Russian occupiers. We will avenge them," noted the general.

As Syrskyi emphasized, the Ukrainian people endured two world wars, collectivization, the Holodomor, occupations, and repression throughout the 20th century, yet they stood firm and created an independent state. "We are tempered, strong, united. We will endure now as well," he stated.

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Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated on Telegram that over three years of full-scale war, Ukrainians have shown the whole world that victory lies in the people who bring it closer every day.

"Three years of resilience. Three years of hard work. Three years of full-scale war. During this time, Ukrainians have proven to the world that our victory lies in the people who bring it closer every day. First and foremost, it is our soldiers. They are the ones writing world history," emphasized the head of the government.

"Endless gratitude to all our defenders! We are grateful to everyone who works, saves, heals, and teaches. To everyone who brings our victory closer and ensures a reliable rear!" noted Shmyhal.

According to him, "over these three years, together we have endured. We have strengthened our army, economy, and international support. Every day we move toward our goals. Ukraine needs a just peace, strong and unshakeable security guarantees. So that we never hear again the audacious: 'Kyiv in three days.' In this, we are united! Because the truth always prevails!".

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Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that over the three years of full-scale war, Ukraine has not only endured but has also strengthened and is working towards victory.

"Eleven years of war. Three years of full-scale war. Each of us remembers February 24, 2022. Ukraine has not just endured, but has strengthened. Russia planned to break us in 72 hours. But today, it is the one suffering catastrophic losses," the minister noted on Facebook.

He emphasized that "Ukrainian soldiers fight for every meter of their native land. Thousands of volunteers have joined the ranks of the Defense Forces. The entire country is working for victory – rescuers, energy workers, volunteers, entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors, workers, educators. Together we have shown the world our strength."

Today, according to him, Ukraine is an army that quickly masters the most modern technology.

"F-16s and Mirages are already protecting our skies. Leopards, AMX-10s, and Caesars are operating on the front lines. Domestic robotic units are changing the face of the war," noted the defense minister.

Umerov emphasized that "today Ukraine is a defense industry that has become a strategic player. Over three years, we have increased arms production to a potential of $35 billion. This year we will produce millions of drones. Joint ventures with leading global companies are already being established in Ukraine."

He also stressed that today Ukraine is a strong shield for Europe, as "we have stopped the enemy that threatens the entire democratic world. Our experience in modern warfare is invaluable for NATO, and our defense industry is a reliable partner for the Alliance."

"But the struggle continues. To win, decisive actions from our allies are needed. Only together can we restore borders, free the captives, and make Russia pay for its actions. Support for Ukraine must continue until the last occupier leaves our land," the minister stated.

Umerov assured that Ukraine will continue to strengthen its army and defense industry, as "our victory is the security of the entire free world."

As reported, February 24, 2025 - the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine.