"Ukraine always returns": Zelenskyy congratulates Ukrainians on first anniversary of Kherson liberation

Zelenskyy posted his address to Ukrainians on Facebook.

"Today is the first anniversary of Kherson's liberation from Russian occupation. Hero city. A symbolic city. A city of hope. The city of our people who did not obey the enemy force and inspired all of us and the whole world with their resistance. These are our blue and yellow flags, which proved over and over again on the streets of Kherson and in many houses and apartments that Ukraine is united. All of it—from the northern border to our sea," the president said. 

He reminded that Kherson residents believed in Ukraine's return even though they had no communication and no information for a long time and thanked those who helped and brought the de-occupation closer, the military who fought for the liberation of Kherson and are now fighting.

"Last year, the entire south of Ukraine realized that Russia never comes 'forever,' no matter how many times Russia repeats it. Because Ukraine always comes back - always! When we know our goal. When it is a common goal. When we are united. And when we unite others around the Ukrainian goal," Zelenskyy emphasized.

According to the president, the anniversary of the Kherson liberation is one of the anniversaries that gives Ukrainians confidence that Ukraine will liberate all the territories captured by Russians. He pointed out that thanks to the Kherson operation, which liberated the right bank of the Dnipro River, the military strengthened the defense of Mykolaiv, Odesa and other cities and villages in the south. In addition, it helped consolidate Ukraine's success in the Battle of the Black Sea.

"Crimea then was in the smiles of Kherson residents, in the words of joy when they met our soldiers - Crimea also felt its future, saw how close we are," the president emphasized.

Zelenskyy reminded that Kherson and other liberated cities continue to suffer from Russian shelling from various weapons and called for "not to disregard the kind of enemy we are facing." 

"Just like last year, Russia seeks to destroy our country, our lives. Like last year, we must destroy the invader. Ukraine is doing it. And today, dear Ukrainians, please thank those who put their strength and lives on the line to protect Ukraine and Ukrainians. Those who are fighting now. Those who are on combat posts now. Who are training to join the combat brigades. And who is working now to ensure that our soldiers have ammunition and weapons, armor and aircraft, air defense and electronic warfare. So that we can provide protection to Ukrainians and so that Ukraine can return freedom to its land," the president summarized.