Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has declared that his country will "defeat everyone" as it marks the second year of its conflict with Russian-backed separatists in the eastern Donbass region. Zelenskiy's comments come amid a recent surge in fighting in the region, which has seen the death toll rise to over 13,000 since the conflict began in 2014.
In a video message posted on social media, Zelenskiy said that Ukraine was "not afraid of anyone" and that it would "never give up" its territorial integrity. He also thanked Ukrainian soldiers and their families for their sacrifice, saying that their "heroic deeds" would never be forgotten.
The conflict in eastern Ukraine began in 2014, after Ukraine's pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted in a popular uprising. Russian-backed separatists then seized control of parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, sparking a conflict that has dragged on for over seven years.
Despite several ceasefires and peace talks, the conflict has continued to simmer, with sporadic outbreaks of fighting claiming the lives of both Ukrainian soldiers and civilians. In recent weeks, there has been a significant uptick in violence, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire agreement.
Zelenskiy's declaration of victory may be seen as an attempt to rally support for his government, which has faced criticism from some Ukrainians for its handling of the conflict. However, it is unclear what steps his government will take to achieve this victory, or whether a military solution is possible given the involvement of Russia in the conflict.
The conflict in eastern Ukraine remains a major challenge for Ukraine's government, which is also grappling with a struggling economy and a COVID-19 pandemic. As the conflict enters its eighth year, it is clear that a lasting solution will require a sustained effort from all parties involved.
