Commemorating the Independence Day of Ukraine on Thursday, August 24, 2023, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted his country’s resilience on upholding independence in a speech at St. Sophia Square in Kyiv.
This year’s Ukrainian Independence Day was the second time the national holiday has been held under the ongoing war.
First Lady Olena Zelenska was in attendance. Distinguished guests from foreign countries, such as President of the Portuguese Republic; Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Republic of Lithuania; Gitanas Nausėda, Prime Minister of Norway; Jonas Gahr Støre, as well as Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Željko Komšić, were also present.
Prior to his delivering his speech, Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska took part in the solemn event, dubbed, “Prayer for Ukraine” at St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv.
The couple also laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance near St. Michael Golden-Domed Cathedral in Kyiv, honouring the memory of the country’s defenders killed in the ongoing war.
In his speech at the square, Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine was celebrating its 32nd independence anniversary. “32 years of uninterrupted independence, which will endure, which we will not allow to be torn apart,” he averred.
“We will not lose grip on Ukrainian independence. We are all united by this feeling,” he added.
“We remember what the Ukrainian people went through. We see the threats. We are fighting the enemy. And we know what we are capable of. We are capable of winning! And we will prevail!
“Ukrainian children in Ukrainian squares and streets will celebrate Ukrainian independence in the same way. Our grandchildren will celebrate. And their grandchildren. Together with the friends of our state. With Ukraine’s allies and partners. The ones Ukraine will choose for itself. Always freely.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Moreover, the Ukrainian President aknowledged the assistance being given to his country by other countries, saying, “The world hears and supports Ukraine. The world’s majority stands with Ukraine and helps.”
Nonetheless, Zelenskyy admitted, “no matter what happens in the world, Ukraine must be able to defend itself. Always.” He iterated, “We will give Ukraine the strength it needs to always prevail.”
“For a long time, our country did not have the necessary defense production, and now it does. I thank everyone who is developing them today. And we will create more. For a long time, the bravery of our warriors did not have the experience of using the world’s best weapons, and now our state gives Ukrainian warriors such weaponry and I thank everyone who helps us with it.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy also presented military units with state awards, insignia, and battle flags with ribbons with honorary names at the ceremony.
Earlier on Thursday, Zelenskyy posted “Happy Ukraine’s Independence Day!” on ‘X’, formerly known as Twitter.
“The day of the free, the strong, and the dignified. The day of equals. Ukrainian men and women. In our entire country,” the post read.
“In this fight, everyone counts. Because the fight is for something that is important to everyone. An independent Ukraine,” he added.
Commitment To Ukraine’s Independence Is Unwavering And Enduring
In a statement, U.S President, Joe Biden noted, “Americans all across the country stand united with the people of Ukraine.”
“Our commitment to Ukraine’s independence is unwavering and enduring,” he added.
“I sincerely hope that next year, Ukrainians will be able to celebrate their Independence Day in peace and safety, knowing how their extraordinary courage inspired the world.
“May Ukraine’s Independence Day be a reminder that the forces of darkness and dominion will never extinguish the flame of liberty that lives in the heart of free people everywhere.”
Joe Biden
UK Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace also issued a statement of support to Ukraine on the country’s Independence Day.
In a post on the social media platform X, he said: “Men and women across Ukraine are fighting every hour of every day for the same basic human rights and freedoms we take for granted. Their fight is our fight.”
