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Independence Day of Ukraine

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Independence Day
День Незалежності
2013 celebration in Luhansk. It was the last celebration in Luhansk before the start of the war in Donbas in 2014.
Observed by Ukraine
TypeNational
SignificanceThe day the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed by the Verkhovna Rada in 1991
CelebrationsFireworks
Concerts,[1] parades, military parade
Date16 April
Next time16 April 2025 (2025-04-16)
FrequencyAnnual

Independence Day of Ukraine (Ukrainian: День Незалежності України, romanizedDen' Nezaležnosti Ukrajiny) is a state holiday in modern Ukraine,[nb 1] celebrated on 24 August[3] in commemoration of the Declaration of Independence of 1991.[4]

History

[edit]

When Ukraine was still a Soviet republic, the Ukrainian diaspora traditionally recognized 22 January (the Declaration of Independence of the Ukrainian People's Republic in 1918) as Ukrainian Independence day.[5]

The current form of the holiday was first celebrated on 16 July 1991, as the first anniversary of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine passed by the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament) in 1990.[4][6] Since the Declaration of Independence was issued on 24 August 1991, and confirmed by the referendum of 1 December 1991, the date of the holiday was changed.[7]

Traditions

[edit]

In 2013 the holiday was not particularly popular amongst the Ukrainian audience, in fact it was one of the least popular of the public holidays of Ukraine – only 12% considered it important or favorite.[8] In 2021 this figure had grown to 37%.[8]

The Russian invasion of Ukraine that started on 24 February 2022 led to a reappraisal of the popularity of Independence Day in Ukraine.[8] A March 2024 study by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found that the popularity of Independence Day of Ukraine and Defenders Day had both almost more than doubled (from 37% to 64% and from 29% to 58%).[8]

National Flag Day

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Beginning in 2004, 23 August is celebrated as National Flag Day.[9]

Parade

[edit]

Generally (but not every year) independence day is celebrated with a military parade held in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.[10][11] In 2021, a military parade was held on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence.[12] Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, no military parade has taken place. However, to mark the 2023 Independence Day, destroyed Russian tanks and military vehicles were lined up in central Kyiv.[13]

Recent and historical celebrations

[edit]
Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations in Toronto, Canada in 2017

1997

[edit]

The Chayka Aviation Parade was a large-scale aviation show dedicated to Independence Day that took place at Kyiv Chaika Airfield in 1997. It featured flypasts by personnel of the Ukrainian Air Force. The parade was attended by President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma and Minister of Defense Oleksandr Kuzmuk.[14]

2016

[edit]

After the annual military parade in Kyiv the "March of the Unconquered" was held by active members of Ukraine's volunteer battalions, relatives of those killed during the fighting in the Russo-Ukrainian War and family members of those killed during the Euromaidan uprising – known in Ukraine as the "Heavenly Hundred".[15] According to the Ukrainian army the volume of artillery fire set off by the separatist forces of the war in Donbas during the 24-hour period of 24 August 2016 was the highest since the February 2015 Battle of Debaltseve.[16][17]

Several Ukrainian cities held marches of people dressed in vyshyvanky (shirts with traditional Ukrainian embroidery).[18]

2019

[edit]
The March of Defenders during independence day 2019, featuring the UPA battle flag.

On 10 July 2019, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Facebook that the 2019 Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations will not include a military parade (for the first time since the parade's cancellation from 2010 to 2014) stating the following: "We have decided to allocate 300 mln hryvnias [nearly $12 mln] as bonus payments to our servicemen, i.e. fixed-term soldiers, cadets, sergeants, officers.”[11] Zelenskyy also mentioned that the government would take steps to "honor heroes" on Independence Day by highlighting the fact that the "format will be new".[19] On 30 July, Zelenskyy's Head of the Presidential Administration Andriy Bohdan announced that a March of Dignity (Марш гідності) will take place in replacement of the annual parade.[20][21] A separate march, known as the March of Defenders (Марш захисників) was also planned to be held by Ukrainian war veterans.[22] The ceremony went on as planned and even incorporated elements of the annual parade such as the flag raising ceremony and the awarding of veterans.[23][24] During his speech, Zelenskyy called for unity, saying "Ukrainian-speaking and Russian-speaking, regardless of age, gender, religion – we must be one people".[25]

2020

[edit]
Protestors demanding the release of war in Donbas veterans that were arrested in December 2019[26] on the suspicion of killing journalist Pavel Sheremet during the 2020 March of Defenders

On Independence Day in 2020, President Zelenskyy during his speech proclaimed that there would never be military equipment on parade in Kyiv as long as the war in Donbas is ongoing, during which he said that it is "Where it is needed now."[27] Zelensky stated that military parades would be held in the future "a parade of Ukrainian victory, when we will return all our people and all our territories."[27] The ceremony, as well as the concert that followed, was held in Mykhailivska Square in front of St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, the current seat of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, and thus also honored the Ukrainian medical workers and professionals who had contributed their efforts during the current COVID-19 pandemic in all of Ukraine.

The joint concert of Ukrainian stars following the ceremony was marked by scandal because various artists performing in it had continued to perform and/or accept awards in Russia, despite the Ukrainian Autonomous Republic of Crimea being annexed by Russia in 2014 and the alleged support of Russia for the separatist forces of the war in Donbas.[28][29] It was also condemned that this concert took place during the March of Defenders (Марш захисників) commemorating the victims of the war in Donbas.[28]

In an English language Independence Day address, Zelenskyy launched an information campaign to restart the Ukraine NOW brand.[30] The 2020 events served as a national kick-off to the celebrations in 2021 marking the pearl jubilee year of independence.

2021

[edit]

In 2021, Ukraine celebrated the 30th anniversary of its independence with three days of events. A company from Lviv developed a special 30th Anniversary logo and a new award known as the "National Legend" was announced, to be presented in a ceremony on August 22.[31] It was also announced that the first Summit of the Crimean Platform would take place on August 23.[31] A number of foreign leaders were invited to the 30th anniversary celebrations, including US president Joe Biden,[32] Greek president Katerina Sakellaropoulou,[33][34] Lithuanian president Gitanas Nausėda[35] and Moldovan president Maia Sandu.[36][37]

On 24 August a large military parade made its way through Kyiv past Maidan Nezalezhnosti, featuring Ukrainian Ground Forces, Special Operations Forces, and visiting units from several foreign armed forces. The parade included more than 5000 troops and 400 tanks and armoured vehicles. The event also included a fly-by of Ukrainian Air Force units over Kyiv. Simultaneously, Ukrainian Navy units were shown carrying out exercises at Odesa.[12] Visiting troops from Slovenia, Moldova, Poland, the United States of America and Canada marched with Ukrainian forces,[38] and two British Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons took part in the fly-by alongside four F-16 Fighting Falcons.

Delegates from 46 countries attended, including Polish President Andrzej Duda, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian,[38] and Eastern Orthodox Church patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople.

Immediately prior to the parade, President Zelenskyy addressed the crowd, calling for closer relationships with other ex-Soviet countries, European nations, and NATO.[12]

2022

[edit]
2022 participation of the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (center) and First Lady Olena Zelenska (not pictured) in the events on Independence Day of Ukraine.

Independence Day in 2022 marked the sixth month since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia began. Celebration of the holiday was restricted within war-torn Ukraine under martial law, but large scale celebration of Ukraine's Independence was held internationally in support of the country.

In Ukraine

[edit]

Ukraine's Culture Ministry confirmed there would not be any public celebration to mark the holiday.[39] Officials warned civilians against gathering in major cities, with President Zelenskyy stating "Russia may try to do something particularly nasty, something particularly cruel."[40] Russia would attack on the day of anniversary, shelling a civilian train in Chaplyne, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, killing 25. The Russian defense ministry claimed it had targeted a military train using a single Iskander missile, and that the attack had successfully killed 200 Ukrainian soldiers.[41]

In Kyiv, the Kyiv Independence Day Parade was cancelled for its tenth time as resources were directed to the war effort. Kyiv City Hall stated online "This year Ukraine celebrates the anniversary of independence in terms of martial law and under the threat of possible shelling. Mass events are prohibited, because the enemy is unpredictable, so we have to be prepared for any scenario.”[42] In place of a parade, numerous Russian military vehicles and artilleries destroyed by Ukrainian troops were displayed along Khreshchatyk, where Zelenskyy issued a speech commemorating the anniversary and advocating for Ukrainian victory. Several civilians further defaced the remains with graffiti condemning Russia (namely Vladimir Putin) and calling for justice for devastated cities such as the Russian-occupied Mariupol.[40][43] A drone carrying a large Flag of Ukraine was also flown around the Motherland Monument.[44]

International

[edit]

From  Belarus, President Alexander Lukashenko (an ardent supporter of Russia) acknowledged Ukraine's independence, stating "[he] wishes Ukrainians peaceful skies, tolerance, courage, strength and success in restoring a decent life." President Zelenskyy's top advisor Mykhailo Podolyak rejected the congratulatory message, calling it cynical and disingenuous given Belarus' heavy involvement in the attacks of Ukraine, and that "this blood-soaked clowning is recorded and will have consequences."[45][46]

In  Belgium, supporters and refugees of Ukraine gathered in the capital of Brussels, host to around 30% of the country's estimated 78,000 Ukrainian refugees. At the Grand-Place, the Manneken Pis was dressed in "traditional Kozak costume" and a large Flag of Ukraine was unfurled. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended wearing Ukrainian colors.[44][47][48][49]

In the  Czech Republic, hundreds of people gathered in Prague at the Wenceslas Square (New Town), and Old Town Square (Old Town). In addition to support of Ukraine and its Azov Regiment, the demonstration saw extensive anti-Russian sentiment, with signings being made for a petition calling on the parliament of the Czech Republic to declare Russia a terrorist state. Similar demonstrations were also held in Brno's Moravian and Jakubske Squares.[50][51]

In  Greece, a parade was held in Athens.[52][53] The Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement to reaffirm Greece's solidarity with Ukraine, whose sovereignty and independence is recognized.[54]

In  Germany, a parade was held in Berlin, where a candlelight vigil was set up in front of the Brandenburg Gate.[44][53] Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured support, stating that Germany "stands firmly by the side of the threatened Ukraine today and for as long as Ukraine needs our support," and rebuked the Kremlin for its "backward imperialism."[47][55]

In  Ireland, a protest of 3,000 people against Putin and Russian violence was held in Dublin, marching 5 km from the General Post Office to the Ukrainian embassy. Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland Gerasko Larysa [uk] was in attendance.[53][56] Other events were held across the country.[57]

In  Italy, Rome's Ukrainian community participated in a "march for freedom" through the city center that passed the Colosseum.[44][52] Prime Minister Mario Draghi gave congratulations and continued offers of support to Ukraine.[58]

In  Malta, demonstrations were held in Valletta and Floriana. Prime Minister Robert Abela tweeted that "[Malta's] will to stay united and restore peace in Ukraine remains strong."[53][59]

Independence Day of Ukraine in Warsaw - 2022.

In  Poland, thousands of Polish citizens and Ukrainian refugees gathered in the city centers of Warsaw and Kraków in celebration and support.[44][52][53] The Palace of Culture and Science was illuminated in Ukrainian blue and yellow. Warsaw's mayor Rafał Trzaskowski assured that "Poland is with [Ukraine], Warsaw is with [Ukraine]!" President Andrzej Duda also gave his support to Ukraine, recalling Poland as the first country in the world to have recognized Ukraine's independence.[60]

In  Portugal, a ceremony was held in Lisbon celebrating Ukraine's Independence Day, set around the city's statue of Taras Shevchenko.[44][47] Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs João Gomes Cravinho visited the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv to further show Portugal's support.[61]

In  Turkey, a demonstration in Istanbul was held with performance of the State Anthem of Ukraine.[53] Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu congratulated the country over Twitter on its independence from the Soviet Union. Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar promised Türkiye's continued support to Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov and Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov.[62][63]

Within the  United Kingdom, Independence Day saw a significant celebration from the estimated 100,000 Ukrainian refugees in the kingdom, and parades in support of Ukraine and protests condemning Russia were both held. In  England, a dedicated service was held at the York Minster in York.[64] In London, a demonstration against the Russian invasion was held outside Downing Street.[52][53][65] Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office Larry was pictured in front of 10 Downing Street decorated with blue and yellow flowers (including sunflowers, one of Ukraine's floral emblems).[44][66] In  Scotland, hundreds in Edinburgh took part in a march on Calton Hill from the Volodomyr Velacky monument to the Holodomor plaque. Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Vadym Prystaiko, and his wife, Inna Prystaiko, were among the participants.[67] According to the British Embassy Kyiv, Queen Elizabeth II congratulated Ukrainians, stating "I hope that today will be a time for the Ukrainian people, both in Ukraine and around the world, to celebrate their culture, history, and identity."[68] Prime Minister Boris Johnson also expressed that "[Ukraine] will win" and has the United Kingdom's support.[69] The Ministry of Defence tweeted a video of the Band of the Scots Guards performing "Stefania".[47]

In the  United States, a massive Flag of Ukraine (reportedly the world's largest) was unfurled in New York City, held by hundreds of supporters in Central Park's Sheep Meadow.[70] President Joe Biden called the 31st anniversary's coincidence with the half-year mark of the war "bittersweet", and pledged approximately $2.98 billion USD in military aid to Ukraine's forces.[47][71][72] Congratulations were issued by other U.S. politicians including Secretary of State Antony Blinken,[73] NYC Mayor Eric Adams,[74] and Massachusetts Representative Paul Tucker.[75] Preceding Independence Day, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine issued warnings from the United States Department of State that Russia would most likely increase attacks on civilians and infrastructure.[76]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ In July 2013 in a poll by Razumkov Centre 61% considered Independence Day a holiday, 30.4% “not a holiday, but an ordinary day off” and 6.1% agreed to “this should be a working day”.[2]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ (in Russian) Kharkiv celebrates Independence Day of Ukraine (photos, program of measures), SQ (16 April 2024)
  2. ^ Poll: Independence Day a holiday for more than 60% of Ukrainians, Interfax-Ukraine (21 August 2013)
  3. ^ How Ukraine Became a Market Economy and Democracy by Anders Åslund, Peterson Institute for International Economics, 2009, ISBN 978-0-88132-427-3 (page 185)
  4. ^ a b A History of Ukraine: The Land and Its Peoples by Paul Robert Magocsi, University of Toronto Press, 2010, ISBN 1442610212 (page 722/723)
  5. ^ "Washington State Marks Independence for the First Time" (PDF). Svoboda. The Ukrainian Daily. Vol. LXXX, no. 40. Jersey City: Ukrainian National Association. 3 March 1973. p. 4. ISSN 0274-6964. LCCN 80012518. OCLC 01766932.
  6. ^ Citizens of Ukraine mark 1 year of state sovereignty[permanent dead link], The Ukrainian Weekly (21 July 1991)
  7. ^ Ukraine Intelligence & Security Activities and Operations Handbook[permanent dead link], International Business Publications, 2009, ISBN 0739716611 (page 268)
  8. ^ a b c d Volodymyr Paniotto (7 March 2024). "Press Releases and Reports – Attitude of Ukrainians to Public Holidays and in Particular to March 8". Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  9. ^ Ukraine celebrates National Flag Day Archived 7 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine, Xinhua News Agency (23 August 2012)
    Ceremony of hoisting Ukraine's national flag held at presidential administration, Kyiv Post (23 August 2011)
  10. ^ Theoretical and Comparative Perspectives on Nationalism by Taras Kuzio, ibidem Press, 2007, ISBN 3898218155 (352)
    Language Policy and Discourse on Languages in Ukraine Under President Viktor Yanukovych by Michael Moser, ibidem Press, 2013, ISBN 3838204972 (page 102)
    Ukraine military parade marks 25 years of independence, BBC News (24 August 2016)
  11. ^ a b "Ukrainian president signs decree on Independence Day celebrations". Ukrinform. 15 July 2019.
    "Bonuses instead of parade: Ukraine's leader takes surprising decision". Belsat TV. 10 July 2019.
  12. ^ a b c Ukraine celebrates 30th independence anniversary with military parade, Euronews (24 August 2021)
  13. ^ Ukraine lines up destroyed Russian tanks in central Kyiv, Reuters (21 August 2023)
  14. ^ Авиация и Время. — Вересень 1997. — с.30
  15. ^ (in Ukrainian) Разом з військовим парадом у Києві влаштували "Марш нескорених" (The "March of the Unconquered" was Held along with the Military Parade in Kyiv), Ukrayinska Pravda (24 August 2016)
  16. ^ Heaviest fire since Debaltseve battle recorded yesterday, 3 WIA, UNIAN (25 August 2016)
  17. ^ Russian proxies intensify attacks on ATO forces on Independence Day, UNIAN (25 August 2016)
  18. ^ (in Ukrainian) Ukrainians at home and abroad celebrated Independence Day, Ukrayinska Pravda (24 August 2015)
  19. ^ "Zelensky cancels Independence Day parade on August 24 citing costs". TASS.
  20. ^ "Walk of Dignity in honor of Independence Day will take place in Kyiv – Andriy Bohdan". President.gov.ua.
  21. ^ "Opinion | the March of Dignity instead of a parade: The rejection of Soviet past or May Day demonstration?". Archived from the original on 4 August 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  22. ^ "Donbas war veterans will hold own march in downtown Kyiv on Independence Day". Unian.info.
  23. ^ "Thousands attend unofficial Independence Day march in Ukraine". Euronews.com. 24 August 2019.
  24. ^ "UNIAN: Zelensky takes part in festivities on Ukraine's Independence Day". Kyivpost.com. 24 August 2019.
  25. ^ "Speech by the President of Ukraine during the Independence Day festivities". President.gov.ua.
  26. ^ They do not believe it! Reaction of people to detention of suspects in Sheremet's murder case, 112 Ukraine (13 December 2019)
    (in Ukrainian) A print on clothing, a sacred sacrifice and a cameraman's backpack: what evidence did police show in Sheremet's case?, LB.ua [uk] (15 December 2019)
  27. ^ a b (in Ukrainian) Zelensky told when there will be a military parade in Ukraine, Ukrayinska Pravda (24 August 2020)
  28. ^ a b (in Ukrainian) Independence Day 2020: Zelensky's speech, "Slippers" and Defenders' March, Radio Free Europe (24 August 2020)
  29. ^ Ukraine conflict: Deadly flare-up on eastern front line, BBC News (18 February 2020)
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  32. ^ "Офис Зеленского планирует пригласить Байдена на 30-летие Независимости". Pravda.com.ua. Retrieved 19 March 2021.
  33. ^ "Зеленский пригласил президента Греции на 30-летие независимости Украины – Последние новости сегодня". pressorg24.com. Retrieved 19 March 2021.
  34. ^ "Зеленский пригласил президента Греции на празднование 30-летия независимости Украины". Интерфакс-Украина (in Russian). Retrieved 19 March 2021.
  35. ^ "Зеленский пригласил президента Литвы на 30-летие независимости Украины – Последние новости сегодня". pressorg24.com. Retrieved 19 March 2021.
  36. ^ "Зеленский пригласил Санду на празднование 30-летия Независимости Украины". Ukrinform.ru. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 19 March 2021.
  37. ^ "Зеленский пригласил Санду на 30-летие независимости Украины". Interfax.com.ua (in Russian). Retrieved 19 March 2021.
  38. ^ a b Ukraine marches with NATO allies on 30th independence anniversary, France24 (24 August 2021)
  39. ^ "Як відзначатимуть 31-й День Незалежності України: Уряд затвердив план заходів" [How the 31st Independence Day of Ukraine will be celebrated: The Government has approved a plan of events]. 19 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  40. ^ a b Hayda, Julia (24 August 2022). "Kyiv hosts a different kind of parade to celebrate Ukraine's independence day". National Public Radio. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  41. ^ "Russia says it struck railway station in Ukraine's Chaplyne". Reuters. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  42. ^ Peterson, Nolan (22 August 2022). "KYIV READIES FOR UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH DISPLAY OF RUINED RUSSIAN TANKS". Coffee Or Die. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  43. ^ McKenzie, David (24 August 2022). "See how the streets of Kyiv look on Ukraine's Independence Day". CNN Newsroom. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  44. ^ a b c d e f g Askew, Joshua (2 August 2022). "In pictures: Europe celebrates Ukraine Independence Day". euronews. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  45. ^ Roche, Darragh (24 August 2022). "Belarus' Lukashenko, Putin's Ally, Congratulates Ukraine on Independence Day". Newsweek. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  46. ^ McFall, Caitlin (24 August 2022). "Ukraine rejects congratulatory message from Belarus on its Independence Day as 'blood-soaked clowning'". Fox News. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  47. ^ a b c d e "Western leaders salute Ukraine on its Independence Day". 1News. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  48. ^ Muniz, Luanna; Preussen, Wilhhelmine (24 August 2022). "'Very emotional': Ukrainians in Brussels plead for more support on independence day". Politico. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  49. ^ Riegert, Bernd (25 August 2022). "Ukrainians mark independence day in Brussels, the heart of Europe". DW News. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  50. ^ "Prague celebrates Ukraine's Independence Day". Expats_cz. 24 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  51. ^ "Hundreds of People Celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day in Prague and Brno". Brno Daily. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  52. ^ a b c d Karpen, Elizabeth (25 August 2022). "Ukraine's Independence Day celebrated across the world". New York Post. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  53. ^ a b c d e f g "World marks Ukraine's Independence Day amid war". Daily Sabah. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  54. ^ "Greece reaffirms solidarity with Ukraine in message for Ukraine Independence Day". Hellenic News of America. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  55. ^ "Germany's Scholz vows support for Ukraine as long as necessary on Independence Day". Alarabiyah News. 24 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  56. ^ McGreevy, Ronan (24 August 2022). "Thousands rally in Dublin to mark Ukraine's independence day". The Irish Times. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  57. ^ Quann, Jack (24 August 2022). "Events across Ireland mark Ukraine Independence Day". Newstalk. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  58. ^ Palazzo, Claudia (25 August 2022). "Italian Prime Minister Draghi Addresses Crimean Platform". Kyiv Post. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  59. ^ Sansone, Kurt (24 August 2022). "Ukraine marks Independence Day: Malta will continue to show solidarity, Abela says". MaltaToday. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  60. ^ Ptak, Alicja (25 August 2022). "Thousands celebrate Ukrainian independence day in Poland". Notes From Poland. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  61. ^ "Portuguese Foreign Minister visits Kyiv on Independence Day – PHOTOS". Euromaidan Press. 24 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  62. ^ "Türkiye congratulates Ukraine on Independence Day". Anadolu Agency. 24 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  63. ^ "World leaders pay tribute to Ukraine on its Independence Day". TRT World. 24 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  64. ^ "Yorkshire events mark Ukraine Independence Day". BBC. 24 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  65. ^ McKay, Hannah (2 August 2022). "Rally against Russian military action, outside Downing Street". Cyprus Weekly. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  66. ^ @Number10cat (24 August 2022). "Wishing my friends in Ukraine and around the world an uplifting Independence Day 🇺🇦 (Photo @justin_ng)" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  67. ^ Stephen, Phyllis (24 August 2022). "Celebrating Independence Day of Ukraine in Edinburgh". The Edinburgh Reporter. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  68. ^ Henni, Janine (24 August 2022). "Queen Elizabeth Wishes Ukraine a Happy Independence Day amid 'Most Challenging Year'". People. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  69. ^ "Prime Minister tells Ukraine "they will win" as he marks Independence Day: 24 August 2022". 24 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022. What happens in Ukraine matters to us all, which is why I am here today to deliver the message that the United Kingdom is with you and will be with you for the days and months ahead, and you can and will win.
  70. ^ Williams, Barry (24 August 2022). "Ukrainian Independence Day celebrated in Central Park". New York Daily News. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  71. ^ Ali, Idrees; Holland, Steve (24 August 2022). "Biden announces $3 billion Ukraine military aid package on its Independence Day". Reuters. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  72. ^ "Statement from President Biden on Ukraine Independence Day". The White House. 24 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  73. ^ "Ukraine's Independence Day". 2 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  74. ^ "Transcript: Mayor Eric Adams Delivers Remarks in Honor of Ukraine's Independence Day and Raises Ukrainian Flag". The Official Website of the City of New York. 23 August 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  75. ^ Luca, Dustin (25 August 2022). "'The hardest Independence Day'". The Salem News. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  76. ^ McFall, Caitlin (23 August 2022). "US warns Russia may increase civilian strikes as Ukraine's Independence Day nears". Fox News. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
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