Four Years of Full-Scale War: Valerii Zaluzhnyi Recalls How the War Began on February 24
Former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, issued a statement marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
He recalled the first hours of the attack and emphasized that the true history of this struggle is yet to be written, as it is filled with examples of extraordinary wisdom and courage.
“At four in the morning on February 24, 2022, the fresh frosty air of our peaceful, sleeping country was torn apart by the terrifying roar of enemy rockets and bombs. This enemy came to kill us,” Zaluzhnyi said.
He stressed that the key hero of this war is the Ukrainian people and their Armed Forces. Despite political manipulation and attempts by the enemy to sow despair, defenders continue fighting not only for their physical future but also for their own history.
Zaluzhnyi also noted that the war has transformed and opened new fronts — from energy security to the struggle for historical memory. According to him, the world once again faces a threat of evil that cannot simply be “appeased” or satisfied.
“The key hero of this war, of course, is our Ukrainian people and our Armed Forces, who, despite disbelief, deception, and political manipulation skillfully carried out by the enemy’s hand, continue the fight not only for their future but also for their history,” he added.
Zaluzhnyi underscored that unity remains Ukraine’s main weapon — one that will not allow the enemy to exploit deception or internal divisions again. Despite future challenges and difficult stages of the struggle, Ukraine has already walked a path for which the nation will never be ashamed before history.
Earlier, Zaluzhnyi responded to rumors about political ambitions and denied involvement in the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines.
