Day 182 Roundup: Ukraine Marks Independence Day; Conflict Ends With Victory Over Russia, Says Zelenskyy
The Facts
On Wed., as Ukraine marked 31 years of independence from the Soviet Union, and six months since the start of the Russian invasion, Pres. Zelenskyy praised the courage of his people, saying: "During these six months, we changed history, changed the world and changed ourselves."
In the pre-recorded televised address, Zelenskyy also said Ukraine was "re-born" when Russian tanks rolled in on Feb. 24 and stated that the country would defend its land "until the end." He vowed to raise the Ukrainian flag over Crimea and the Donbas region again, adding: "What is the end of the war for us? We used to say: peace. Now we say: victory."
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
Six months into the war and Russia's advance can now be measured in metres per week, not miles. Invading forces are sustaining heavy losses and their troops are demoralized in the face of Ukrainian defenders. Russia is fragile and Ukraine is poised to turn the tide of the war.
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia is strictly complying with humanitarian law in the course of its special military operation. It is deliberately slowing down its advance in order to reduce the number of civilian casualties in the war.