Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked the first anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion on Friday  with a moment of silence and words of gratitude. The 45-year-old addressed members of Ukraine's armed forces and a small gathering of dignitaries in St Sophia Square, next to the green- and gold-domed cathedral that is a symbol of the city's resilience.  “May this be proudly proclaimed everywhere: Ukraine is alive,” Zelenskyy said.  A year ago today, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a “special military operation” in Ukraine blaming the escalation of the conflict on Ukraine’s pivot to the West.