Ukraine marks 35 years of independence with European backing amid war

Under a clear sky and before the golden domes of Saint Sophia Cathedral, Ukraine marked its 35th Independence Day on Monday. The ceremony, held amidst a war exceeding four years, showcased European support for the nation.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accompanied by his wife Olena, arrived after an interfaith prayer for peace. He welcomed nearly a dozen European dignitaries, including the new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President António Costa. "For Ukraine, independence is not an abstract idea. We defended it against all odds," wrote Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Zelenskyy echoed this message in central Kyiv, thanking Ukrainians for sustaining the war effort. "We will never be pebbles for the Tsar's boots," he declared, referencing the independence gained in 1991.

“

For Ukraine, independence is not an abstract idea. We defended it against all odds.

The president used the anniversary to reinforce his image as commander-in-chief. An attempt by former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov to push for elections after his dismissal reportedly lost momentum, even among supporters. A European diplomatic source indicated that Ukrainians do not wish to open such discussions while the war continues.

“

We will never be pebbles for the Tsar's boots.

The ceremony starkly illustrated the human cost of the conflict. Zelenskyy presented decorations, many posthumous, to the families of fallen soldiers. Screens displayed the black-and-white faces of the deceased, many of them young. Wounded combatants were then honored; some arrived missing limbs. One, Serhii Panfilov, in a wheelchair, asked the president for a photo, causing a brief moment of levity when he realized he had forgotten his phone. Zelenskyy signaled an aide: "Let the selfie happen." The crowd laughed.

European leaders reiterated their support. Burnham compared Ukrainian resistance to Britain's stand against Hitler, stating Kyiv keeps "the flame of freedom and democracy" alive. Costa asserted that Ukraine helped build "a truly geopolitical new European Union" and stated firmly: "Our support is unconditional; we are not neutral."

“

the flame of freedom and democracy

However, beneath the celebrations, the war's toll weighed heavily. European Union Ambassador Katarina Mathernová warned that the optimism of April and May had evaporated, and morale was low after a summer of Russian attacks. Air defenses are strained, and the country looks with concern toward another winter of cold, power outages, and nights spent in shelters.

“

Our support is unconditional; we are not neutral.