Ukraine Marks Independence Day amid Continued Conflict & International Support
Kyiv – ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation from Independence Square in Kyiv, reaffirming Ukraine’s determination and calling for a “just peace.” He stated, “We are building a Ukraine that will have enough strength and power to live in security and peace,” emphasizing that the nation’s future “is up to us alone.” The speech appeared to reference concerns stemming from the U.S.-russia summit held in Alaska in August, where some feared Ukrainian and European interests might be overlooked. Zelensky asserted that the world “respects Ukraine” and “perceives Ukraine as an equal.”
The celebrations coincided with ongoing fighting in eastern Ukraine, where Russia reported capturing two villages in the Donetsk region on Saturday.
International support for Ukraine was demonstrated through several announcements and visits. U.S. special envoy keith Kellogg attended Independence Day celebrations in Kyiv and was awarded the Ukrainian Order of Merit, 1st degree, by Zelensky. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for meetings with the Ukrainian President. Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff, noted the importance of this support, stating, “On this special day - Ukraine’s Independence Day – it is especially vital for us to feel the support of our friends.And Canada has always stood by our side.”
Norway pledged approximately seven billion kroner ($695-million) in new military aid, focusing on air defense systems. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced that Norway and Germany are jointly funding two Patriot systems, including missiles, with Norway also contributing to the procurement of air defence radar.
Pope Leo XIV also marked Ukraine’s Independence Day with a prayer for peace during his weekly noon blessing, expressing solidarity with Ukrainians “asking that the Lord give peace to their martyred country.” He also sent a telegram to President Zelensky, assuring him of his prayers for suffering Ukrainians and urging “the clamour of arms may fall silent and give way to dialogue, opening the path to peace for the good of all.” Zelensky shared the Pope’s message, along with notes from other world leaders, on X.
Notably, the Pentagon has reportedly restricted Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied missiles against targets within Russia.
