From the Promise to Capture Kyiv in Three Days to Four Years of Struggle: Zelensky's Address

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has released a video address on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of Russia's large-scale invasion, showcasing the bunker located beneath the presidential office on Bankova Street.

“Today marks exactly four years since Putin said he would capture Kyiv in three days. This says a lot about our resistance, about Ukraine's struggle during all this time. These words pertain to millions of people—their courage, hard work, resilience, and the long road we have traversed since February 24,” he noted.

Zelensky recorded his speech from the bunker, emphasizing that important meetings and negotiations were held there in the early days of the war. According to him, at the onset of the war, hundreds of people were working in this area, coordinating governmental and defense processes.

He also recalled one of his first phone conversations with U.S. President Joe Biden. “Here, in this small room, my first conversations with world leaders took place. I spoke with President Biden here, and it was here he said: ‘Volodymyr, there is a threat, you need to leave Ukraine immediately. We are ready to help.’ I responded that I needed weapons, not a taxi,” said Zelensky.

He stated that in the bunker, the government and military leadership were collectively seeking solutions to ensure “Ukraine's survival,” organizing supplies of weapons, medicines, and food to various parts of the country.