Three Years After Kherson’s Liberation, Zelenskyy Pledges to Reclaim Every Occupied City
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked the third anniversary of Kherson’s liberation, vowing that Ukraine will free all territories still under Russian control.
The Gaze reports this, referring to Zelenskyy’s post on social media.
The president honored the defenders who liberated Kherson, the only regional capital Russia ever managed to occupy, and praised the city’s resilience as a defining symbol of national resistance.
Zelenskyy reflected on November 11, 2022, when Ukrainian forces entered Kherson after more than eight months of occupation. Blue and yellow flags, hidden in basements during months of terror, returned to the city’s streets as residents welcomed Ukrainian troops with tears, flowers, and songs.
“We remember that joy – the tears, the embraces, the gratitude when you see your own people returning,” Zelenskyy wrote. “The occupiers fled Kherson thanks to the strength of our people. That same strength continues to protect and rebuild Ukraine today.”
He condemned the continuing bombardments of the city by Russian forces positioned across the Dnipro River. “Russia terrorizes Kherson every day – ordinary people, ordinary life. That’s why Russia has no place here. Kherson is Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.
The president expressed gratitude to the soldiers who fought and fell for Kherson’s freedom, adding that Ukraine “will do everything” to bring back all other towns and villages still under occupation.
“Just as we did not forget Kherson, we remember all our occupied cities and villages. We will do everything to bring them home. Glory to our defenders! Glory to Ukraine!” Zelenskyy wrote.
Kherson was occupied on March 2, 2022, becoming the only regional center seized by Russian troops during the full-scale invasion.
During the occupation, the city endured months of fear and repression. Hundreds of local residents – activists, journalists, teachers, and city officials – were detained, tortured, or disappeared.
Despite brutal crackdowns, Kherson remained defiant. In March and April 2022, thousands of residents held peaceful pro-Ukrainian rallies, chanting “Kherson is Ukraine!” while facing armed soldiers.
In September 2022, the Ukrainian Armed Forces launched a southern counteroffensive that targeted Russian supply lines and command centers on the right bank of the Dnipro.
On November 11, 2022, Ukrainian soldiers entered Kherson, greeted by jubilant crowds waving flags and singing the national anthem.
As The Gaze reported earlier, Angelina Jolie made a surprise visit to Kherson, demonstrating her deep solidarity with Ukrainian children affected by the war.
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