Ukraine marked its 35th Independence Day on August 24, commemorating its declaration of independence from the Soviet Union on the same date in 1991 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The celebration took place in Kyiv’s St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery square, where President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a speech wearing a traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt (Vyshyvanka) [2, 3].
Zelensky stated, "Ukraine certainly wants peace but is not prepared to surrender lightly," emphasizing the country’s refusal to cede the Donbas region to Russia [2]. He warned, "We will never allow them (Russian forces) to take control and deceive Europe and the world into thinking that surrendering Donbas would end everything," rejecting Moscow’s repeated demands [3].
The day was marked by visits from key foreign dignitaries including British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, European Council President Antonio Costa, Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Moldova President Maia Sandu, and Estonia President Alar Karis [1, 2, 3, 4]. Burnham announced British support for boosting Ukraine's domestic production of long-range missiles and said he planned to co-chair a virtual meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss Ukraine’s request for more air defence systems [1].
Ukraine has faced over four years of conflict with Russia, ongoing despite international support [1, 4]. Just days before Independence Day, a Russian drone struck a busy shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, Zelensky’s hometown, killing at least 16 and injuring 130 [4]. Russian officials also reported intercepting a Ukrainian drone near the Russia-Ukraine border in the Krasnodar region; debris fell on a daycare center, killing three teenagers aged 13, 15, and 16, and injuring eight people including seven children [2, 3].
Ukraine has conducted strikes deeper into Russian territory, targeting economic infrastructure including warehouses belonging to online retailers Wildberries and Ozon [4]. Carrie Filipetti, former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state, said Russian attacks inside Ukraine reflect Moscow’s increasing panic amid battlefield setbacks, adding, "Putin gets very anxious when he's put in a corner" [4].
European leaders’ presence in Kyiv underscored their support for Ukraine amid ongoing war [1, 2, 3, 4]. The next key focus will be the planned virtual meeting involving Burnham, Macron, and Merz on providing additional air defence systems to Ukraine.
