Ukraine always returns - President Vladimir Zelensky's address on the occasion of the first anniversary of Kherson's liberation from Russian occupation

These are months without communication, without information, but with faith - with faith in Ukraine. These are the efforts of many people who saved, helped, approach . . . and villages that are occupied by the enemy. The whole south of Ukraine was convinced last year that Russia never comes "forever", at least how many times it has repeated it. Because Ukraine always returns - always! When we know our goal. When it's a common goal. When we are in unity. And when we unite others around the Ukrainian goal.

Today, one of the anniversaries that form our Ukrainian confidence that we can. Thanks to the Kherson operation of the Dnieper Right Bank, it was cleared of the occupier. Our warriors then released a large part of the Kherson region, added protection of Nikolaev, Odessa, other cities and villages in the south of our country and enshrined the success of Ukraine in the Battle of the Black Sea.

Then in the Kherson smiles, in the words of joy, when our soldiers met - Crimea felt its future, saw how close we are. I am proud of all our warriors - all the brigades, every battalion, all soldiers and commanders who fought last year. And to all who now lead our state, though heavy, painful, but so necessary - vital - a marathon to guaranteed freedom of Ukraine.

Independence, which has the power to move from generation to generation, is obtained in the battles, draws energy in the unity of the people and hardens his spirit when he hears the gratitude of the people who were liberated from the enemy - those who have been waiting for Ukraine and whose faith has come true. Dear people! Russia is avenging for Kherson's freedom and other liberated cities all this year. Shelling daily. Bombs, artillery, rockets.

It was only forty drones and missiles from Kiev, drones and missiles against Odessa region, Kharkiv region only from yesterday to this morning. Conscious abuse of the enemy. Daily! But not a day of our despair! None of us should be light -hearted about the enemy against us. Ukraine knows that the enemy is not weak, voracious. But Ukraine is able to overcome it! Like last year, Russia seeks to destroy our country, our lives. Like last year, we have to destroy the occupier. Ukraine does it.

And today, dear Ukrainians, Ukrainians, please thank those who put their strength and life in defense of Ukraine and Ukrainians. Who is fighting now. Who is in combat posts now. Who trains to replenish the combat crews. And who works now for our soldiers to have shells and weapons, armor and aviation, air defense and edges. So that we can protect Ukrainians and that Ukraine can return the freedom of its land.