Ukraine marked its Independence Day with a mix of celebration, defiance, and reflection, as President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed the country would continue to fight for its freedom.
In his address, Zelensky declared that Ukraine seeks “a just peace, one where our future will be decided only by us.” He added that while victory has not yet been achieved, Ukraine “has certainly not lost.”
The speech came as tensions remained high following reports of overnight drone attacks on Russian energy facilities. Moscow accused Ukraine of sparking a fire at a nuclear plant in the Kursk region, but Kyiv dismissed the claims as propaganda. The fire was quickly extinguished, and radiation levels were reported to be normal.
Amid the conflict, a prisoner swap brought relief to many families. Each side released 146 captives, including Ukrainian soldiers, civilians, and a journalist held since 2022.
In Kyiv, Independence Day ceremonies carried both solemnity and pride. President Zelensky, alongside his wife, laid flowers in memory of fallen Ukrainians. Canada’s Prime Minister attended the events, pledging continued support and announcing fresh deliveries of drones, armored vehicles, and ammunition. Other allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Sweden, reaffirmed their commitment through military aid and defense cooperation.
Ordinary Ukrainians also gathered at makeshift memorials across the country, honoring those who lost their lives in the war. Blue and yellow flags waved in the capital as servicemen raised the national flag to mark the occasion. Messages of solidarity poured in from world leaders, including King Charles, who praised the “unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people.”
While the day was filled with tributes and pledges of support, the war’s reality remained clear. Russia claimed new gains in eastern Ukraine, and peace efforts showed little progress despite international pressure. Talks between global leaders have so far failed to produce a breakthrough, with disagreements over conditions for a ceasefire.
For Ukraine, Independence Day was a reminder of both its hard-fought past and the uncertain road ahead. As Zelensky told the nation: Ukraine is not a victim, but a fighter — determined to secure its future on its own terms.