Click on the player icon above for an audio report by Marcin Matuszewski - presenting Ukrainian voices recalling February 24th, 2022, and reflecting on Russia's full-scale invasion three years after it began.
"Three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude. Three years of absolute heroism from Ukrainians. I am proud of Ukraine! I thank everyone who defends and supports it, everyone who works for our country. May the memory of those who gave their lives for our state and people be eternal," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media.
Three years ago, Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine. In the early hours of February 24, 2022, air raid sirens and explosions woke residents across multiple cities as Russian forces advanced from the east, north, and south.
Despite deploying massive military power, Putin failed to achieve his objectives, and Ukrainian forces continue to hold back the offensive.
The invasion has killed over 12,000 civilians, wounded at least 30,000, and forced millions to flee. As of 2025, Russia occupies 20% of Ukraine’s territory.
In 2024 alone, Russian forces seized approximately 4,000 square kilometers - seven times more than the previous year.
Estimates suggest Russian losses range from 100,000 to 200,000 dead and 500,000 wounded, while Ukraine has suffered around 100,000 dead and 400,000 wounded.
Ukraine-EU Summit: World leaders gather in Kyiv on third anniversary of Russia’s invasion
In connection with the commemoration, world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the presidents of Lithuania and Latvia, have arrived in Kyiv to mark three years since Russia’s invasion.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and the leaders of Denmark, Sweden, Spain, and Estonia are also attending the events.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (R), European Council President Antonio Costa (C), and Ukraine's Head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak walk at the railway station in Kyiv, Ukraine, 24 February 2025, to attend a summit with European leaders on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion. Photo: SERGEY DOLZHEN/PAP/EPA
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (C) arrives at the railway station in Kyiv, Ukraine, 24 February 2025, to attend a summit with European leaders on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion. Photo: SERGEY DOLZHENKO/PAP/EPA
Source: IAR/PAP/X/@ZelenskyyUa/@PolandMFA
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