Ukraine celebrates 34th anniversary of independence

(Patria) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated his compatriots on Independence Day, exactly three and a half years after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"We are building a Ukraine strong and powerful enough to live in security and peace," Zelensky said in a statement published on Telegram.

In a video recorded for Independence Day, Zelensky is seen against the backdrop of Kyiv's Independence Square.

He emphasized that the monumental freedom monument on Maidan is also a symbol of Ukraine's indestructibility, which has been resisting Russian aggression for three and a half years.

Zelensky said the war has awakened a new sense of self-worth among Ukrainians. They no longer rely on the goodwill of others, but take their fate into their own hands and are ready to fight for freedom.

He also recalled the daily Russian air strikes on civilian objects such as hospitals and schools, stressing that Ukraine responds with attacks on fuel depots and military airfields deep inside Russia, which no one can forbid it from doing.

We are building a Ukraine strong and powerful enough to live in security and peace. So that here, on this square, on our Independence Square, beneath our flags, on our land, our children and grandchildren will celebrate Independence Day. In peace. In calm. With confidence in the… pic.twitter.com/wuGW5t7mbC

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 24, 2025

His words were accompanied by footage of drone attacks on Russian strategic bombers in early July this year.

The Independence Day celebration in Kyiv was also attended by US Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg, whom Zelensky awarded the Ukrainian Order of Merit, First Class, on the occasion.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also arrived in Kyiv this morning for a meeting with the Ukrainian leader.

Ukraine today celebrates the 34th anniversary of its independence.

Deputies of the then Ukrainian Soviet Republic declared independence from Moscow on August 24, 1991, and proclaimed the state of Ukraine.

On that day, a large Ukrainian blue-and-yellow flag was brought into the plenary hall of parliament, replacing the red-and-blue flag of the Ukrainian Soviet Republic.