Four years since the Russian invasion, Zelensky reveals the underground bunker, saying 'We have held on'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled an underground bunker, signifying Ukraine's resilience amidst the ongoing war, in a video marking four years since the Russian invasion.
On the four-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky showcased an underground bunker that served as a command center during Ukraine's initial resistance. This bunker has become a symbolic site of Ukraine's fight against the invasion, drawing significant interest from the public. In a 19-minute video shared on social media, Zelensky walked through a maze of underground tunnels in Kyiv, illustrating the war's destruction and the bravery of Ukrainian citizens in resisting the aggression, while delivering a message of unity and strength.
The bunker, originally built as a Soviet-era air raid shelter, reflects the seriousness of the multiple attacks on Ukraine's capital. In the video, Zelensky shared that this small room, modestly decorated with white paint, is where he first communicated with world leaders after the invasion began. He recounted a conversation with former U.S. President Joe Biden, who had urged him to flee Ukraine due to the impending threat, to which Zelensky responded that he needed ammunition, not evacuation.
As he presented the bunker, Zelensky emphasized its significance as a place where strategic decisions were made during critical moments of the conflict. He highlighted the architecture of the shelter, which consists of narrow corridors leading to various governmental offices, adorned with the national flag and equipped with essential communication tools. The unveiling serves not only to commemorate the resilience shown by Ukrainians over the past four years but also to reinforce support from allies and galvanize the nation in the face of ongoing challenges.