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Ukraine marks 35 years of independence amid calls for support
🇨🇭 Switzerland /Conflict & Security

Ukraine marks 35 years of independence amid calls for support

From Neue Zürcher Zeitung · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence with a defiant speech, emphasizing the nation's will to resist and calling for international support, particularly in air defense.
  • The "Coalition of the Willing," a group of 36 primarily European states, held a hybrid meeting chaired by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, focusing on strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities.
  • Despite ongoing Russian aggression since 2014 and a full-scale war for over four years, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's commitment to peace but not surrender, rejecting Russian demands for withdrawal from Donbas.

Ukraine marked its 35th anniversary of independence on Monday with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivering a defiant video address, underscoring his nation's resolve. "Ukraine wants peace, but it is not ready to simply surrender," Zelenskyy stated, highlighting the country's enduring spirit in the face of persistent doubts about its ability to withstand pressure.

For over twelve years, Ukraine has defended itself against Russian aggression, beginning with the annexation of Crimea in spring 2014. This period represents more than a third of its existence as an independent state, with a full-scale war now raging for four and a half years. Zelenskyy acknowledged the hundreds of thousands of soldiers on the front lines defending the nation's independence and firmly rejected Russia's precondition for peace talks: a Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donbas. Instead, he urged global unity to compel Russia to negotiate.

The Ukraine wants peace, but is not ready to simply surrender.

— President Volodymyr ZelenskyyIn a video address marking Ukraine's 35th anniversary of independence.

Following official ceremonies in Kyiv, the "Coalition of the Willing" convened a hybrid meeting. This group, comprising 36 predominantly European nations, is dedicated to bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities. The meeting was chaired by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, marking his first foreign trip since taking office a month prior. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz participated via video conference, among other leaders.

A primary focus of the meeting was air defense. The scarcity of effective weapons against Russian missiles and cruise missiles has become a critical issue for Kyiv. The most significant commitment of the day, however, involved the transfer of crucial offensive military technology from London, signaling a key development in the ongoing support for Ukraine's defense efforts.

Thirty-five years ago, Ukraine restored its independence! Happy holiday, great people of a great country! Happy Independence Day of Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine!🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

— Volodymyr ZelenskyyA post on his official social media account on Ukraine's Independence Day.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Neue Zürcher Zeitung in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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