Ukraine Marks 35th Independence Anniversary as International Leaders Gather in Kyiv

On August 24, Ukraine marks its 35th Independence Anniversary with visits from top international leaders, including the British Prime Minister and European Council President, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls for global unity and decisive pressure on Russia.

Ukraine Celebrates 35th Independence Anniversary

On August 24, Ukraine celebrates Independence Day, marking the 35th anniversary of the country’s declaration of independence. The former Soviet republic became an independent state on August 24, 1991, when the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) in Kyiv adopted the Act of Independence.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Independence Day Address

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a national address on the anniversary, acknowledging the extreme current hardships while emphasizing the strength of mutual support and national unity that prevents Ukraine from falling.

Zelenskyy stated that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is counting on Ukrainian exhaustion, noting that Putin is mortal and has fundamentally misunderstood Ukraine. He asserted that Russia has lost refineries, its fleet, revenues, and an entire generation while failing to erase Ukraine from the map.

Zelenskyy Calls for Russian Participation at Negotiating Table

The Ukrainian president appealed to the world for unity against the Russian threat, stressing the need to pressure Russia to the end and bring its representatives to the negotiating table with severe sanctions.

Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine does not ask anyone to fight for it, but demands all necessary means to stop the war faster than Putin can launch another, while urging Europe to remain united, ambitious, and courageous.

Appal to China on Nuclear Threats

Addressing China, Zelenskyy stated it can no longer remain silent regarding threats from Russian politicians concerning the use of nuclear weapons, urging Beijing to demonstrate true global leadership by curbing such rhetoric.

Zelenskyy expressed enduring gratitude to all international partners who stood by Ukraine during its hardest moments, emphasizing that the coalition around Ukraine remains unshakable.

Foreign Guests Arrive in Kyiv

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, European Council President Antonio Costa, Moldovan and Estonian Presidents Maia Sandu and Alar Karis, and Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden arrived in Kyiv on Monday for the 35th anniversary events, greeted at the railway station by Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha.

Sybiha stated that independence is not an abstract idea for Ukrainians, expressing profound gratitude to international partners for reinforcing Ukraine’s defense capabilities and helping preserve its freedom.

Meeting of the Coalition of the Willing

A meeting of the coalition of the willing is scheduled to take place in Kyiv on Monday, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Burnham, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with some leaders participating in person and others remotely.

German Chancellor Merz Reaffirms Support

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz extended Independence Day greetings, praising Ukrainian courage and assuring that Berlin stands firmly by Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.

Merz stated that Ukrainians are showing the entire world what it means to stand up for freedom and a just peace.

US Secretary of State Rubio Emphasizes Commitment to Sovereignty

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and its commitment to negotiating a lasting end to the war.

Rubio released a statement highlighting US dedication to advancing economic and security ties and paving a path toward peace and prosperity.

Polish Foreign Minister Honors Ukrainian Independence

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski highlighted on platform X that Poland was proud to be the first country in the world to recognize Ukraine’s independence, paying tribute to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and warning against Russian imperialism.

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement wishing the Ukrainian people strength and a swift, just peace, reiterating that a strong, defensible Ukraine serves the security interests of Poland and all of Europe.

Lukashenko Extends Independence Greetings

Belarusian authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko sent Independence Day greetings to Ukraine, expressing hope that future generations will preserve traditional ties and that Minsk and Kyiv will restore mutually beneficial cooperation.

Despite Lukashenko’s message, Belarus has supported Russia’s full-scale invasion since February 2022 by providing its territory for military operations, leading to extensive EU sanctions against Minsk.