Today, November 19, marks the 1000th day of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These are 1000 days of pain, loss, and at the same time of unbreakable strength, courage, and unity. This was written by the head of the Odesa Regional State Administration Oleh Kiper, according to UNN.
He stated that Odesa region, like the rest of Ukraine, has survived despite the challenges and continues to fight for freedom and a peaceful future.
“Odesa has changed in different ways. It has become more Ukrainian, it has become more resilient, stronger. Because these shelling, these attacks on the city that the Russians considered almost their own and said that Odesa was our city, and the patriotism that Odesa residents showed, as well as many Ukrainian cities in this direction, of course, it gives me strength, including to our region and all Ukrainians.
We have shown that we are a strong nation, a nation that loves its land. And this is not within Odesa region, this is within the country. The whole world has recognized this, that there is such a nation, a country that will always exist,” he said.
Kiper added that Ukrainians remember every hero and every victim.
“People are the most important thing in our country and around the world, their lives and health are the highest value. But you will still never get used to deaths, to the deaths of children. All the destruction can be rebuilt, but you can't bring back people's lives.
In particular, on March 2 of this year, when 5 children died, when our rescue services spent almost a day pulling children out of the rubble in the hope that they were alive, these were very difficult moments. And unfortunately, there have been many such moments in these 1000 days,” he says.
Kiper also thanked all those who defend the Ukrainian land and support the people.
“Our guys and girls have done the impossible in almost three years. If you compare small Ukraine with Russia, compare the population, our guys and girls, the state and people have really done the incredible.
Part of the territory is still occupied. But let's remember how the Russians planned to take Kyiv in three days. With the help of our defenders, we will take everything back,” he added.