Ukraine

Six months since Russia invaded Ukraine: War to last much longer than expected, Ukrainian MP says

A Ukrainian MP has described the ongoing conflict as "our real war for real independence from Russia" on Ukraine's Independence Day, despite admitting that many are starting to grapple with the thought that the war "will last much longer than expected".

Wednesday marks six months since Russia invaded on 24 February, and is a day that coincides with the Independence Day of Ukraine – when the Declaration of Independence from the Soviet Union was issued in 1991.

Deputy leader of the Holos Party Inna Sovsun said she has realised the conflict will not be over for some time and though she feels her life has been taken away from her, the war has allowed Ukrainians to "appreciate this independence so much more".

"This is our real war for real independence from Russia," Ms Sovsun, 37, said.

"This year, people are appreciating this independence so much more.

"They have grown to realise that it's valuable, it's something important, not just a day where you can go picnicking with your friends.

"This is something that actually makes us different from Russians."

She said reflecting on the last six months is "very uncomfortable" as Ukrainians come to accept that the war is going to last longer than they had initially hoped.

"I remember my feelings at the end of February, I would think: 'I so much want this to be over, I want to go back to my home'.

"I still want this to be over, but it's not my overwhelming thought because I'm trying to grapple with this idea that it can take much longer.

"I feel like my life has been taken away from me," she explained, adding that the Ukrainian Government would not be allowing any "mass celebrations" due to the threat of attack.

"Missile attacks are the biggest scare.

Watch: Ukrainians parade wrecked Russian vehicles on Kyiv streets.

"There is information that they have gathered quite a lot of military power over there, in terms of missiles and aircraft."

Ms Sovsun also said she has been willing Western allies to provide tanks for her country's military.

"They're just dragging their feet, there is no clear explanation," she said.

"We need the armoured vehicles, we need the tanks."

It comes amid reports of an expected, additional $3bn from the US to train and equip Ukrainian forces to fight for years to come, as part of a long-term approach to the war.

The US has committed well above $20bn already, while the UK has provided £2.3bn in kit – including anti-tank and anti-air capabilities.