4 years of Ukraine-Russia war: Zelenskyy reveals his 'base' in Kyiv; taunts Putin - watch
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 24, 2026
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On the fourth anniversary of the Ukraine-Russia war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed his command center—a bunker beneath Kyiv’s downtown where he directed the initial response to Russia’s military offensive. In a nearly 19-minute video address shared on his X account, Zelenskyy provided an unprecedented look inside this Soviet-era bomb shelter, which served as the nerve center for Ukraine’s resistance during the early stages of the conflict.
The bunker, located on Bankova Street, is a sprawling complex designed to withstand intense military assaults. It houses separate rooms for key government branches—such as the presidency, cabinet of ministers, and parliament—each equipped with basic amenities like chairs, televisions, and Ukrainian flags. The video showcased the bunker’s utilitarian design, featuring rows of black cables along walls, large gas pipes, and electrical boxes on ceilings, along with blue-and-yellow directional signs reflecting Ukraine’s flag colors.
Zelenskyy reflected on his early days in the bunker, including a tense conversation with former U.S. President Joe Biden, who urged him to leave Ukraine immediately for safety. Zelenskyy reportedly responded that he needed ammunition, not an evacuation, a sentiment echoed by many Ukrainians determined to fight. This display of resilience highlights Zelenskyy’s commitment to staying in Kyiv despite the immense danger, emphasizing his role as a symbolic leader of Ukraine’s resistance.
The anniversary video aimed to rally Ukrainians and remind them of their collective strength in facing Russia’s invasion. However, four years into the war, Ukraine faces growing
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026