Zelenskyy: Ukrainians kneel only in prayer, and never before invaders

Zelenskyy addressed Ukrainians from the St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, where an exhibition of Ukrainian artists is being held.

"These are icons on ammo boxes. Permeated with the smoke of our land and the spirit of our people. Symbols of great trials and great strength that helps us overcome them. Each of these icons is like a divine manifestation. Evidence that heaven is with us. An answer to the question of why Ukrainians stood firm," the president noted.

As the head of state explained, the names of the heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine are written on the icons, showing that "Ukrainians kneel only in prayer, and never before aggressors and occupiers."

"We pray for each other. When we all become closer, neighbors to each other. And the former neighbor who constantly tried to force us into brothers is forever distant to us. He violated all commandments, demanded our home, came to kill us. The world sees this. God knows this. And we believe: on God's shoulders, there is a chevron with the Ukrainian flag. So with such an ally, life will surely conquer death," Zelenskyy added.

The president noted that today, Ukrainians are united in a common prayer for the soldiers who are celebrating Easter in trenches and positions.

"Today, our prayer is for all Ukrainians who await this dawn and will surely see it. They will wait for peace, truth, and God, who will return to the scorched earth. Scattered with scars in the form of craters and trenches. It will return with silence, tranquility, and flowers instead of mines in the fields. It will return with children's laughter instead of the roar of air alarms. The light that will return to all the land given to us by the Lord, to all territories temporarily occupied by devils. God will return to Mariupol. To the hills and shores of the seas. It has always been this way. It will certainly be," he said.

Easter in Ukraine

Today, May 5th, Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter. Traditionally, this day is marked by a festive service, followed by the blessing of Easter baskets.

However, in recent years, Easter has been observed in the context of war due to Russian aggression. Curfews are in place in certain regions, and Ukrainians are urged to be cautious due to possible terrorist attacks from the enemy.

Ukrainian intelligence and the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have not ruled out the possibility of Russian strikes on this day. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also urged Ukrainians to be vigilant on Easter.