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August 22 (UPI) – Several Ukrainian cities, including the country’s capital Kyiv, are banning Wednesday’s Independence Day celebrations because Ukraine president Vladimir Zelensky Russia warned of “particularly brutal” attack.
Ukraine will celebrate the 31st anniversary of its independence from Soviet rule on August 24 this year. It is also the first time the country has celebrated independence since the Russian invasion six months ago.
“We should be aware that this week Russia may try to do something particularly nasty, extremely cruel” Zelensky said in a speech Saturday evening.
“A key task of the enemy is to humiliate us, the Ukrainians, to devalue us, our heroes, to sow hopelessness, fear, and conflict,” Zelensky said in urging vigilance. “It is therefore important not to give in to the pressure of the enemy for a moment, not to give up on yourself, not to show weakness.”
While marking the Ukrainian independence milestone, Zelensky also praised the work the Ukrainians have done since the February 24 invasion.
“During these 178 days, the Ukrainians proved that our people are invincible and our defenders are invincible,” Zelensky said. “Our unity, our confidence in ourselves has enabled us to survive these six months. Months and approaching this week, it is always important for every Ukrainian.”
According to the UN Human Rights Office, there are more than 5,500 civilians in Ukraine has been killedFrom the start of the war to 14 August, 356 children and nearly 7,700 civilians were injured.
“The majority of civilian casualties recorded were due to shelling with explosive weapons with wide-area impact, including heavy artillery, multiple rocket systems, missiles and airstrikes,” the UN Casualty Update said.
Meanwhile, shelling intensified in the Russian-held Zaporozhye region on Monday nuclear power plant, causing international security concerns. Ukrainian employees continue to run the large factory. Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for continued attacks and sabotage that could trigger a massive nuclear disaster.
Ukraine’s Independence Day is just a few days away, military administration in Kyiv Ban all large gatherings to Thursday. Authorities in Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, announced a curfew from 7 p.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Thursday.
“We ask that you be aware of these measures and be prepared to stay at home and shelter – this is our safety,” Kharkiv authorities said.
In his speech, Zelensky acknowledged that the holiday was important to every Ukrainian given the past six months, but said there was still a lot of work to be done.
“We’ve always said, we’ll be honest: for Ukraine’s victory, we still have to fight, we still have to do a lot, we still have to persevere and endure, unfortunately, a lot of pain,” he said.
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