Kyiv – "We have become one family. There are no more strangers among us ... Ukrainians have sheltered Ukrainians, opened their homes and hearts to those who were forced to flee the war", President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a televised address on the one-year anniversary of Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainians paid tribute to fallen loved ones on Friday and vowed to fight on to victory, while Russia said its forces were making gains in battle in the east as its invasion entered a second year with no end in sight.

During a ceremony held at St. Sophia Square in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy awarded medals to soldiers and the mother of a fallen soldier. The President was visibly moved and emotional during the event and was seen wiping away tears when the national anthem was played by the band.

Despite the ongoing fighting in the east and south of Ukraine, Zelenskiy expressed his confidence and determination that Ukraine would be able to defeat all of its adversaries. He spoke of the previous year as being one of resilience, courage, pain, and unity, but also emphasized that Ukraine had not been defeated.

"This is how it began on February 24, 2022," he said, sitting behind a desk and recalling how he addressed Ukrainians a year ago as the world reeled from Russia's act of war.

"The longest day of our lives. The most difficult day in our recent history. We woke up early and haven't slept since."

The international community also showed its support for Ukraine on this anniversary. Paris lit up the Eiffel Tower in the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag, and a vigil was held in London with the message "If you stand for freedom, stand for Ukraine". Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo gave a speech, stating that there would be life after the war, and that Ukraine would win.

The Eiffel Tower is lit up in the national blue-and-yellow colours of Ukraine, to mark the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Paris, France, February 23, 2023. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

Additionally, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on February 23, 2023, demanding that Russia withdraw from Ukraine and stop fighting.

The resolution received overwhelming support, with 141 countries voting in favor, and 32 abstentions including India and only joined Russia to vote no - Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, Mali, Nicaragua and Syria.

Russia's ally China also abstained on the U.N. vote.

Russia's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy dismissed the action at the United Nations as "useless".

The Ukraine military reported increased Russian activity in the east and south as the anniversary approached, with at least 25 towns and villages in three northern regions along the Russian border under fire.

Though the exact number of casualties is difficult to ascertain, some U.S. and Western officials estimate that nearly 200,000 people have been killed or injured on the Russian side alone, and more than 100,000 on both sides, according to the top U.S. general. Millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes, and tens of thousands of civilians have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine and the West have accused Russia of committing war crimes, but Russia denies targeting civilians.

People attend a vigil for Ukraine held on the anniversary of the conflict with Russia, at Trafalgar Square in London, Britain February 23, 2023. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

Support For Ukraine
On the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine, President Biden is set to meet virtually with G7 leaders and President Zelenskiy to announce new sanctions against those supporting Russia's war effort. The United States will provide an additional $2 billion in assistance, and the G7 will impose sanctions on countries that are helping to backfill products that Russia has been denied due to sanctions.

Meanwhile, at a G20 meeting in India, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire urged financial leaders to condemn Russia's aggression against Ukraine and announce new sanctions. However, India, which holds the current G20 presidency, is reportedly pressing to avoid the use of the word "war" in the communique and does not want the bloc to discuss additional sanctions.

The United States accused China of considering providing weapons to Russia, which could escalate the conflict. Putin has announced plans to deploy new Sarmat multi-warhead intercontinental ballistic missiles this year, and suspended Russia's participation in the New START treaty on nuclear arms control.

While Ukraine and its allies view the invasion as an unjustified land grab aimed at subjugating a sovereign state, Putin has signaled a desire to double down on the conflict, despite major battlefield defeats. The prospects of peace appear bleak, with Zelenskiy insisting on Moscow's withdrawal.