Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Sunday evening that in less than a week, Ukrainian fighters had killed more than 1,100 Russian soldiers near Bakhmut and wounded another 1,500 so seriously that they were taken out of battle, calling for national unity at a time when, he said, Ukrainians should be an example for the international community that helps Ukraine, reports News.ro.

“In less than a week – from March 6 – only in the direction of Bakhmut (the Ukrainian military did not) they managed to destroy more than 1,100 enemy soldiers, these are irreversible losses of Russia, losses there, near Bakhmut. In addition, there are at least 1,500 medical casualties of the enemy – they have injuries incompatible with the continuation of hostilities. In addition, dozens of units of enemy equipment were destroyed and more than ten warehouses of Russian ammunition were set on fire,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyi said in a message that he sends to his compatriots every evening.

This message came after a difficult week, during which both Russians and Ukrainians suffered heavy losses at Bakhmut, and Zelenskyi and other officials in Kyiv must explain to the population why they are stubbornly not making a decision to withdraw – some Western experts also mentioned – and why they should fight back.

“Together, in unity, we will win”

Zelenskyi again listed the units of the Ukrainian army fighting on the front lines and thanked them, as well as noted the merits of those behind the front lines to encourage Ukrainians and raise everyone’s morale.

“I am grateful to every fighter of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, our intelligence – fighters of Shaman, the National Guard, our border guards – everyone who really fights for the Ukrainian land, for Bakhmut! I am grateful to the fighters of Tavria, who are actually fighting in the area of ​​Avdiyivka and Maryinka, the gunners of the 55th separate brigade of Zaporizhzhya Sich, the fighters of the 35th marine brigade, the 74th reconnaissance battalion and seventy-nine infantrymen – our paratroopers! As well as the Zaporozhye direction from Tavria – the 128th separate mountain assault brigade. Thanks to all of you guys! I am grateful to each and every one of you who helped our soldiers again this week, treated them after their wounds, looked for something to support, held fundraisers and sent to the front what they demanded! Together, in unity, we will achieve victory,” the Ukrainian president emphasized.

“Now we live in a time when Ukraine can overcome all historical difficulties. We can do it! If we keep our unity, if we care for each other and our country. I thank everyone who cares about Ukraine and Ukrainians! I thank everyone who cares about our unity and the unity of the world for the sake of Ukraine! I thank all those who are currently fighting for the independence of our country!” – said Volodymyr Zelenskyi.

Strengthening the spiritual independence of Ukraine

He also announced that he awarded the title of “Hero of Ukraine” to the soldier Oleksandr Matievsky, who these days became known to the whole world after a video showed him being executed by the Russians as a prisoner of war, and his last words were “Glory to Ukraine.” “A person whom all Ukrainians will know. A person who will be remembered forever. For courage, for faith in Ukraine and for the glory of Ukraine!” – said the Ukrainian leader.

Zelenskyi gave Ukrainians another example of heroism and national pride: “Today marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding Ukrainian scientist Volodymyr Vernadsky, a man who lived in a very difficult time, but who, despite everything, believed in Ukraine, chose Ukraine and helped Ukraine.” , he noted, referring to the founder of the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, who is considered one of the pioneers of geochemistry, biogeochemistry and radiogeology.

The Ukrainian leader also referred to the “spiritual independence” of Ukrainians, confirming the decision to ban the Russian Orthodox Church.

“This week there is also a movement to strengthen our spiritual independence. Society sees it. And I see the approval of Ukrainians for these steps, which are legal. And we will continue this movement. We will not allow a terrorist state to have any opportunity to manipulate the spirituality of our people, destroy Ukrainian shrines or steal something valuable from them,” Zelenskyy said after addressing the Ukrainian Orthodox Church this week, which had ties to the Russian Orthodox Church to leave the monastery complex of the Pechersk Lavra, which prompted Patriarch Kirill of Moscow to seek the support of Pope Francis to force Zelensky to change his mind.

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