Ukraine celebrates Flag Day with European leaders amid ongoing war

Ukraine marked its Flag Day with a solemn ceremony in Kyiv, underscored by the presence of European leaders, including those from the Baltic and Nordic nations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the gathering, asserting that Ukraine's very existence is the foremost irritant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, overshadowing domestic issues within Russia.

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For Russia and Putin, throughout this entire time, our flag and the mere existence of Ukraine have been the greatest annoyance. They are much more concerned about it than their own internal affairs and the problems of millions of Russians. That is why, in 2014 and in February 2022, Russia attacked to snatch this flag from us, to snatch our symbols, our freedom, and our independence.

"For Russia and Putin, throughout this entire time, our flag and the mere existence of Ukraine have been the greatest annoyance," Zelenskyy declared, according to Ukrinform. He elaborated that Putin is far more concerned with Ukraine's existence than with the problems faced by millions of Russians. "That is why, in 2014 and in February 2022, Russia attacked to snatch this flag from us, to snatch our symbols, our freedom, and our independence," he added, accusing Russia of harboring ambitions to erase Ukraine.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas expressed solidarity upon arriving in Kyiv. Kallas highlighted the shared history of independence for Estonia and Ukraine, noting that both nations have secured the right to self-determination. "Today, Ukraine is defending that right on the battlefield, while advocating for the freedom and security of all of Europe," she stated.

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Russia has not abandoned these ambitions. The massive attacks, truly massive, the terror and the murders are motivated by the maniacal dream of one man: that Ukraine does not exist.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen praised the resilience of the Ukrainian people, stating they have been fighting for the freedom of Europe for 1,641 days and nights. "From the Russian invasion, a brave people has defended their country and their freedom. It has fought for the freedom of Europe. In a war they never asked for," Frederiksen said in a statement. She emphasized the need for continued military support, particularly in strengthening Ukraine's air defense, and announced efforts to develop a modern European missile defense system based on Ukrainian and European capabilities.

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This year marks 35 years since Estonia regained its independence and Ukraine declared its own. Both countries have secured the right to decide their own future. Today, Ukraine is defending that right on the battlefield, while advocating for the freedom and security of all of Europe.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre remarked that Flag Day and the upcoming Independence Day are acts of defiance and hope. "When Norway looks at Ukraine, we see courage and determination. We see a nation fighting for its future," he stated.

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For 1,641 days and nights, Putin's bombs have fallen on Ukraine. Since the full-scale Russian invasion, a brave people has defended their country and their freedom. It has fought for the freedom of Europe. In a war they never asked for. It has faced cowardly and endless attacks directed against civilians, schools, and hospitals. Few could endure what Ukrainians have endured.