麻豆社

Ukraine is marking the first anniversary of the start of Russia's invasion with ceremonies across the country and a message of defiance from President Zelensky. The war that was meant to last just days is still raging with the human cost almost impossible to measure.

Ukrainian MP, Lesia Vasylenko, shares her reflections with Newsday.

"This year has definitely been a very deep and interesting experience. Not one that I'd like to repeat... it was a rollercoaster of pain, tears, hope, smiles, unity and friendships... and all of these emotions constantly being on repeat."

"I think we've learnt a lot about ourselves, about each other. War has this way of uncovering all the different layers... and shows people for who they really are. Who has values, who has none."

(Photo credit PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Ukraine MP Lesia Vasylenko speaks at a friends of Ukraine reception at the annual Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, central England, on October 2, 2022.)