AreaRead the video transcript expand here
The national anthem from loudspeakers, a break in school lessons - and flags, flags, flags: Ukraine celebrated the "Day of National Unity" on Wednesday.
»Unity is our strength. We will triumph if we are like a fist."
"That's very important to me because I work for unity between the army and the population."
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared February 16 as "Unity Day" by decree on Monday in response to a possible Russian invasion that day.
On Tuesday, signals of relaxation came from Moscow, and a day later the Russian Ministry of Defense again published photos that are said to show the withdrawal of Russian troops from the border with Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the de-escalation, if it exists - but NATO is not sure about that yet.
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General
»We have noticed Moscow's will to continue diplomatic efforts.
So far, however, we have not seen any de-escalation on the ground.
On the contrary, it seems that Russia is continuing to deploy troops.«
Stoltenberg discussed the crisis with the NATO defense ministers in Brussels.
Christine Lambrecht, Federal Minister of Defense
»It is important to observe carefully whether these words are followed by deeds.
Because that's what's important.
There must be a clear de-escalation.«
Very cautious optimism in Brussels - and in Kiev: a celebratory mood and certainly great relief.
"No matter what will happen in Ukraine: Today we saw that we are one nation and one people united."