Zelensky tours Kyiv bunker and urges more weapons on four year invasion anniversary
Feb 24th 2026
On Feb. 24 President Volodymyr Zelensky released footage of the Bankova Street bunker where he coordinated Ukraine's defense, recalled early pleas for ammunition, and outlined the country's military evolution and resilience.
- Zelensky released video of the Bankova Street bunker where he and hundreds of officials coordinated Ukraine's defense in the invasion's first days.
- He said he was told to leave Ukraine but replied that he needed ammunition, not evacuation.
- Ukrainian forces halted Russia's initial push on Kyiv and turned a planned quick campaign into a prolonged war.
- Zelensky said Ukraine shifted from holding the line to striking Russian military targets more regularly.
- He highlighted new capabilities including Patriot, IRIS-T, NASAMS, F-16s, domestically produced long range weapons, and claimed production of over three million FPV drones per year.
- Zelensky said Russia has not achieved its goals and pledged to preserve Ukraine and seek peace and justice.
- The invasion remains the largest war in Europe since World War II with widespread destruction and mass displacement.