---
title: "Hope amidst rubble: Zelensky paints picture of resilient Ukraine"
url: https://moldova1.md/p/22394/hope-amidst-rubble-zelensky-paints-picture-of-resilient-ukraine
published: 2024-01-01T09:15:02Z
language: en
section: "International"
source: moldova1.md
---

# Hope amidst rubble: Zelensky paints picture of resilient Ukraine

> In a defiant New Year's address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that his country, despite enduring a year of brutal war with Russia, has emerged "stronger."

In a defiant New Year's address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that his country, despite enduring a year of brutal war with Russia, has emerged *"stronger."*

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/786175bd-fe1a-4950-8437-afdac9d43b6d.jpg)

Reflecting on the immense challenges faced in 2023, Zelensky painted a picture of a nation honed by adversity, its resolve hardened by the fires of conflict.

*"The major result of the year, its main achievement: Ukraine has become stronger. Ukrainians have become stronger,"* Zelensky proclaimed, his voice echoing through the televised speech. He underscored the transformative impact of the war, crediting it for forging a more resilient national spirit.

The year, Zelensky acknowledged, brought its share of hardships. Ukrainians braved a *"most difficult winter in history,"* enduring biting cold, power outages, and disruptions to critical industries. The spectre of a naval blockade loomed, threatening vital export routes. Yet, through it all, Zelensky emphasised, the Ukrainian spirit remained unbroken.

*"We have shown that Ukrainians are more resilient than the cold and the darkness,"* he declared. *"Stronger than power outages and threats of power outages. Ukrainians are stronger than any blockages and vetoes, distrust or scepticism."*

Zelensky pointed to tangible victories – the successful defence against the Russian Navy in the Black Sea, the ongoing ramp-up of domestic arms production, and the international commitment to bolstering Ukraine's air defences, including the promised delivery of F-16 fighter jets.

*"We will definitely see them in our sky,"* Zelensky affirmed, his words resonating with hope and a steely resolve. Looking ahead to the second year of war, he urged those still on the sidelines to join the fight for Ukraine's freedom.

*"I call on everyone who still hesitates to make a bold choice next year, to defend their own country, to work for it, to help it,"* he implored.

Zelensky's New Year's address served as a powerful testament to the unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian people. As the conflict enters its second year, Ukraine stands, bruised but unbowed, a nation forged stronger by the fires of war.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**