Ukraine Celebrates Independence Day Amid Ongoing War
Every year on August 24, Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day, and this year marks the 34th anniversary.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to Ukrinform and statements by world leaders on the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day.
The holiday was established in honor of the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic on August 24, 1991, of the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, a political and legal document that enshrined the new status of the state.
This status was finally confirmed by a nationwide referendum on December 1, 1991, when 90.32% of citizens supported independence.
Ukraine has come a long and difficult path to independence. Its origins date back to the times of the Ants state and the unification of the Polans, forming the basis for the creation of Rus, and later Kievan Rus. After the decline of the Kyiv state, the tradition of statehood was inherited by the Galicia-Volhynia principality, and later by the Lithuanian-Ruthenian principality, in which Kyiv and Volhynia enjoyed broad autonomy.
In the 17th century, the Cossack state emerged, which fought for independence for over a century. However, in the 18th century, statehood was lost, and Ukrainian lands were part of the Russian and Austrian empires for almost two centuries.
The 19th and early 20th centuries saw the revival of the national movement, culminating in the Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921. The Central Council proclaimed the creation of the Ukrainian People's Republic in its Third Universal, and its independence in its Fourth Universal. In 1919, the Act of Unification was signed, confirming the unity of Ukrainian lands. However, the Ukrainian People's Republic did not last long, and statehood was lost until the end of the 20th century.
On August 24, 1991, after the August coup in Moscow, an extraordinary session of the Supreme Council of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic adopted the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine. Since then, a sovereign state with an indivisible territory has been created, in which only the Constitution and laws of Ukraine are in force.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the Ukrainian people from Independence Square in the capital, noting that every symbol in this place speaks of our country's independence.
"We are building a Ukraine strong and powerful enough to live in security and peace. So that here, on this square, on our Independence Square, beneath our flags, on our land, our children and grandchildren will celebrate Independence Day," he wrote on Telegram.
The president emphasized the need for a just peace, stressing that only Ukrainians have the right to determine their future. He noted that the world recognizes this, respects Ukraine, and perceives it as an equal partner.
On Sunday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Kyiv on an official visit, his first as head of the Canadian government.
He announced his arrival on social media, emphasizing that Canada is strengthening its support for Ukraine at this crucial moment.
“On this Ukrainian Independence Day, and at this critical moment in their nation’s history, Canada is stepping up our support and our efforts towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine,” Carney stated.
In a video greeting, the Canadian Prime Minister added that “Canada's support for Ukraine is unwavering, and we are with you every step of the way, in your fight to defend your sovereignty, and to realise your dreams for your country.”
German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz also joined in the congratulations: “They (Ukrainians – ed.) are fighting for our system based on freedom in Europe and for a just peace. On Independence Day, we stand firmly by their side – today and in the future.”
On behalf of the United States of America, Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended congratulations to the Ukrainian people on the 34th anniversary of their independence.
“The United States is committed to Ukraine's future as an independent nation,” he said, expressing hope for a negotiated settlement that would preserve Ukraine's sovereignty and guarantee its long-term security.
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