Kyiv, Ukraine – Marking four years since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed the bunker in Kyiv from which he directed the country’s initial defense, offering a rare glimpse into the command center that became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance. The address, delivered on , showcased the bunker’s austere conditions and underscored the gravity of the early days of the war.
In a nearly 19-minute video message posted to X, Zelenskyy walked through the corridors and small rooms of the bunker complex, located on Bankova Street in the heart of Kyiv. The footage, described as the most detailed yet of the facility, revealed a network of cramped spaces that housed the Ukrainian government in the immediate aftermath of the invasion. The bunker, appearing as a Soviet-era bomb shelter, was designed to sustain government operations during a large-scale assault on the capital.
Zelenskyy recounted a critical phone call with then-U.S. President Joe Biden in the early hours of the invasion. “Here I spoke with President Biden, and it was right here that I heard: ‘Volodymyr, there is a threat. You need to leave Ukraine urgently. We are ready to help with that,’” he said, seated in a small, white-walled room. He then revealed his defiant response: “And here I replied that I need ammunition, not a ride.” This exchange, previously attributed to Zelenskyy by the Ukrainian embassy in Britain on , has become emblematic of his unwavering commitment to remaining in Kyiv and leading the defense of his country.
The bunker’s interior, as depicted in the video, consists of narrow corridors and small rooms allocated to different branches of government – the presidency, the cabinet of ministers, and parliament. The spaces are sparsely furnished, with long tables, chairs, televisions, Ukrainian flags, and telephones. Exposed cables and pipes run along the ceilings and walls, highlighting the bunker’s functional, utilitarian design. A large Ukrainian map, painted yellow and blue with the inscription “God save Ukraine,” adorns the wall outside the presidential office.
Zelenskyy emphasized the bunker’s role in coordinating the initial response to the invasion, stating, “We had to procure weapons, medicines, and food that had to be delivered to cities cut off by the enemy.” He described the bunker as the place where crucial decisions were made to ensure the survival of the Ukrainian state.
The release of the video coincides with a period of reflection for Ukraine as it marks four years of resistance against Russian aggression. The address served not only as a historical account of the war’s early days but also as a message of resilience and determination. Zelenskyy asserted that Russia had failed to achieve its objectives and had been unable to break the spirit of the Ukrainian people. “Putin failed to achieve his goals and could not break the people of Ukraine,” he stated.
The video’s release also comes as international support for Ukraine remains a critical factor in its ability to withstand the ongoing conflict. On , a delegation of European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, visited Kyiv to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine. The group also included the presidents and prime ministers of Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Latvia, among others.
Meanwhile, Moscow signaled its continued commitment to the war effort. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, stated that the “special military operation” would continue until its objectives are met, according to the TASS news agency. This statement underscores the lack of any immediate prospect for a negotiated settlement and the ongoing challenges facing Ukraine.
Zelenskyy concluded his address with a call for continued unity and perseverance, emphasizing that Ukraine’s success was due to the courage and determination of its citizens. “Everything that Ukraine has achieved is thanks to Ukrainians,” he said, ending with the patriotic slogan, “Glory to Ukraine.” The video serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made and the challenges overcome during four years of war, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people.
