Zelensky Marks Four Years of Resistance, Reveals Early War Bunker Location
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commemorated the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, with a message to Ukrainians recorded from the bunker that served as the center of state power in the initial days of the conflict. The location was where he conducted his first telephone conversations with world leaders following the attack.
Defiance and a Plea for Arms
“Today is exactly four years since Putin took Kyiv in three days. And this actually says a lot about our resistance, about how Ukraine has been fighting all this time,” Zelenskyy stated. “Behind these words are millions of our people. Behind these words is great courage, very hard work, endurance and a long path that Ukraine has been covering since February 24.”
Zelenskyy recounted that his initial conversations with world leaders, including President Biden, took place in a small room within the bunker on Bankova Street. He recalled being offered assistance with evacuation, to which he responded, “I need ammunition, not a taxi.”
A Nation United in Fear and Determination
According to Zelenskyy, despite the fear and pain felt by all Ukrainians on the first day of the invasion, there was a collective understanding that Ukraine’s survival was paramount. “It was such a choice,” he said. “The choice that millions of Ukrainians and Ukrainian women made then. Our people did not raise the white flag, but defended the blue and yellow one.”
He emphasized that, contrary to expectations, Ukrainians responded to the invasion by enlisting in the military rather than offering a welcoming gesture to the invading forces. Zelenskyy stated that both soldiers and civilians collectively guided Russia toward “the only right path.”
Resilience and Continued Struggle
“No one knew what would happen tomorrow, but everyone understood: every tomorrow must be conquered. Ukraine had to stand, the state had to stand no matter what. And no matter what, our Ukraine had to work,” Zelenskyy declared.
International Support Demonstrated in Kyiv
On the anniversary of the invasion, Kyiv is hosting high-level foreign guests, including state leaders and ministers, demonstrating international support for Ukraine and solidarity in the face of Russian aggression. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has already arrived in Kyiv, marking her tenth visit to the city since the start of the war. France24 reported on this event.
Zelensky’s Leadership Through Crisis
As Russian tanks approached Kyiv in February 2022, rumors circulated that Zelenskyy had fled the country. However, he quickly dispelled these rumors by releasing a video of himself standing in front of the presidential building with his advisors, stating, “We are here.” CNN reports that Zelenskyy’s removal was a key objective of Russia’s initial invasion plan.
Reports indicate that Russian agents attempted to locate and eliminate Zelenskyy in the early stages of the war, even renting apartments near the presidential office. Despite facing approximately a dozen assassination attempts and navigating a corruption scandal that led to the dismissal of close advisors, Zelenskyy has remained a steadfast leader throughout the conflict. Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Wikipedia page details his ongoing role as the sixth president of Ukraine.