Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine due to the Russian invasion, the country marked its 34th Independence Day on the 24th (local time). Ukraine commemorates this date as Independence Day, established in honor of the independence declaration law passed on August 24, 1991, against the former Soviet Union.
On that day, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, released a video speech prior to the ceremony, stating, "Ukraine will never again endure the humiliation that Russians call 'compromise'" and emphasized, "We need a just peace." He added, "Our future is determined only by us."
President Zelenskyy noted, "Ukraine has not yet achieved a complete victory, but certainly has not been defeated," and stated, "We will achieve a reliable and sustainable peace through obtaining strong security guarantees, so that no one dares to invade in the future."
"A strong Ukraine, an equal Ukraine, a European Ukraine, and an independent Ukraine. This is our goal that we must pass on to our descendants," he emphasized.
Countries expressed their support and solidarity with Ukraine. On the same day, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who visited Kyiv, announced that half of the 2 billion Canadian dollars (approximately 2 trillion won) promised by Canada in June would be used for drones, armored vehicles, and ammunition support. Prime Minister Carney also signed a joint production agreement for drones with President Zelenskyy and reported discussions regarding reconstruction projects in Ukraine, hydropower, small modular reactors, and joint energy projects including oil and gas.
Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy to Ukraine, also attended the ceremony held in Kyiv. Envoy Kellogg received a merit medal from President Zelenskyy and met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on that day to discuss U.S.-Ukrainian mineral agreements.
Sweden's Minister of Defense, Paul Jonsson, also visited Kyiv and agreed to joint production of military equipment with Ukraine. Norway stated that it would invest 7 billion kroner (approximately 960 billion won) in a joint plan with Germany to send two Patriot systems that Germany already possesses to Ukraine.
Pope Leo XIII sent a congratulatory message stating, "I pray for the Ukrainian people" and expressed, "I urge the Lord to move the hearts of those with goodwill so that weapons may fall silent and give way to dialogue, opening the path to peace."
U.S. President Donald Trump also stated in a congratulatory message, "The Ukrainian people have an indomitable spirit, and the courage of Ukraine inspires many" and noted, "I respect your fight and honor your sacrifices." He emphasized, "The United States supports a negotiated solution to protect Ukraine's sovereignty and dignity."
Chinese President Xi Jinping said, "We are ready to steadily and sustainably develop the bilateral relationship and cooperate to bring greater benefits to the peoples of both countries." However, President Xi did not make direct reference to the war.
Additionally, British King Charles III, European Union (EU) Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also expressed their willingness to cooperate with Ukraine through congratulatory messages.