Zelenskyy warns Russia may do something 'cruel' to Ukraine ahead of its Independence Day

As Ukraine nears its Independence Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday asked for strength in midst of worries about a potential Russian escalation. In his night video dress to nation, Zelenskyy said that Russia could try to do something exceptionally “nasty, something particularly cruel” next week when Ukraine would celebrate its independence, next week on August 24. President said in video, “We should be aware that this week Russia may try to do something particularly nasty... But in any or week during se six months, Russia did same thing all time – disgusting and cruel.” 

Indicating Russia’s possible assaults, Zelenskyy noted, “We must all be strong enough to resist any enemy provocations.” He ded that for Kharkiv and Donbas, Azovstal and Mykolaiv, filtration camps, Bucha, Irpin, and all or cities, all must withstand provocations in order to force invers to account for all of ir strikes and terror. “We must all be strong enough to endure and go all way to Ukrainian victory,” he said.  

Ukraine is getting rey for its Independence Day: Zelenskyy

embattled President furr highlighted that y have been working hard to be rey for next week, which is crucial for ir nation as Ukraine's Flag Day and Independence Day are approaching. Informing about event, Zelenskyy said that re will be a ceremony honouring those who fought in conflict to liberate Ukraine. In video, he said, “This year, one can literally feel in air of Crimea that occupation re is temporary, and Ukraine is returning.” 

Zelenskyy even underlined that amid celebrations, significant talks and visits from Ukraine's 'true friends' are scheduled for next week. 

As brutal war entered day 179, President of Ukraine said  war h changed everything for Ukraine, for Europe, and for world, ding that "But let's still think today, take a look, and assess path we have taken. How much has been changed – what almost everyone in world thought was impossible to change. How much it managed to win, wrest from Russian army... was thought to be invincible."

Furr, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a warning, citing recent bombings in Crimea and a missile that injured 12 civilians close to a nuclear power station. 

On Saturday, Ukraine organised a mock pare of Russian military tanks that h been destroyed, taunting Moscow's military and Russian President Vlimir Putin. Before country's Independence Day on August 24, Kyiv's soldiers performed a pare of Russian military equipment that h been wrecked on streets of capital city of Kyiv. Moreover, Ukrainian residents could be seen standing atop wrecked Russian armoured vehicles while celebrating and taking pictures.

(Image: AP)