KYIV, UKRAINE – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday that the “counter-offensive and defensive actions” against Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine have officially begun.
“We will not allow our territorial integrity to be compromised,” Zelenskyy said during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Kyiv. “The Ukrainian army is fully prepared for this operation, and we will do everything in our power to ensure the safety and protection of our citizens.”
The announcement follows weeks of increased fighting in the Donbass region, where Ukrainian troops have been battling Russian-backed separatists since 2014. The situation has escalated in recent months, with both sides accusing the other of violating the ceasefire agreement.
Zelenskyy’s announcement has been met with mixed reactions from the international community. While some have expressed support for Ukraine’s right to defend itself, others have urged both sides to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Trudeau, who is on a two-day visit to Ukraine, expressed his support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and praised Zelenskyy’s leadership in the face of the crisis. “Canada stands with Ukraine in its efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Trudeau said.
The United States and the European Union have also expressed their support for Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Monday, and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and urged both sides to return to the negotiating table to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
The situation in eastern Ukraine remains volatile, and it is unclear how the counter-offensive will play out. However, Zelenskyy remains resolute in his commitment to defending Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“We will not back down in the face of aggression,” Zelenskyy said. “We will defend our country, our people, and our way of life.”
