Ukraine marks independence amid war, seeks lasting peace

Ukraine is commemorating its 35th anniversary of independence, a milestone overshadowed by a 12-year war that began with Russia's annexation of Crimea and escalated into a full-scale invasion in February 2022. The conflict has brought widespread destruction, displacement, and shattered lives, realities that Ukrainians now live with daily.

Despite the immense challenges, Ukraine continues its fight for existence, life, and truth, aspiring to achieve a lasting, honest, and just peace. This peace would enable the rebuilding of infrastructure and the planning of a future free from war and suffering for its children. Even amidst constant attacks, Ukraine maintains its role as a significant global food supplier, exporting grain to Africa and the Middle East and working to prevent Russia from weaponizing food supplies.

Ensuring freedom and security of navigation in the Black Sea remains a critical international security issue, as Russia continues to target civilian vessels. Ukraine has expressed readiness for a cease-fire at sea, but Russia's response has been continued strikes on port infrastructure and shipping. Ukraine's objective is to compel Russia to engage in serious negotiations for a comprehensive peace, ending Europe's largest armed conflict since World War II.

Ukraine is demonstrating tangible progress on the battlefield, liberating approximately 750 square kilometers of territory this year. Russia has been forced to withdraw much of its Black Sea Fleet from occupied Crimea, and Ukraine continues to strike Russian defense industry facilities. However, Russia's actions, including attacks that killed 437 civilians in July alone, underscore its unwillingness to pursue peace.