Congratulations on Independence Day
Petro Poroshenko, the fifth president of Ukraine, congratulated Ukrainians on Independence Day in a video address. He noted that on August 24, Ukraine celebrates 35 years of independence, emphasizing that independence is not limited to documents, borders, or symbols, but lives in the people who work, defend, and restore the country every day.
'35 years ago Ukraine became independent. But independence does not live only in documents, borders, or symbols. It lives in people. In those who stay, work, defend, save, restore every day. And choose independence again.' — Petro Poroshenko
The importance of volunteer work and international support
In his address, Poroshenko expressed gratitude to:
- the military
- military medics
- volunteers
- rescuers
- energy workers
- utilities workers
- agriculturists
- teachers
- doctors
- families
He emphasized the importance of volunteer work, noting that volunteers have been waking up with thoughts of the front for 12 years.
'Thank you to the volunteers. To those who have been waking up with thoughts of the front for 12 years. Who searches, gathers, buys, brings, and never asks what it will change. Because they know: sometimes one vehicle, one drone, one first aid kit, or even one tourniquet changes everything.' — Petro Poroshenko
As part of the Independence Day celebrations, the Ukrainian flag was raised in Brussels, confirming international support for Ukraine. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower will be illuminated in blue and yellow, symbolizing solidarity with the Ukrainian people. On August 24, the UN Security Council will meet to discuss the consequences of Russia's war against Ukraine. The discussion will focus on Russia's missile and drone terror against civilians, attacks on Ukrainian ports, and the obstruction of grain exports.
In addition to the festive activities, the sculptures of the founders of Kyiv in Postal Square were dressed in attire for the State Flag Day and Independence Day of Ukraine. The clothing for the sculptures was sewn by Kateryna Zhuravel and her sisters Valentyna Lehkа and Mariya Lehka. Poroshenko also expressed gratitude for the fact that Ukraine has endured, lives, and will exist in the future:
'Thank you for Ukraine enduring! For Ukraine living! And for Ukraine being, will definitely be!' — Petro Poroshenko
These events highlight not only the significance of Independence Day for Ukrainians but also the importance of international support amid war. The raising of the Ukrainian flag in Brussels and the illumination of the Eiffel Tower in blue and yellow demonstrate solidarity with the Ukrainian people on a global level. The discussion in the UN Security Council also indicates that the situation in Ukraine remains in the focus of the international community, which can influence the further development of events in the region.
As Ukraine commemorates its Independence Day, the display of national symbols abroad underscores the global support for the nation's sovereignty. Notably, a Ukrainian flag now proudly flies outside the European Commission, highlighting the solidarity that resonates beyond borders. This international recognition reflects the ongoing struggle and resilience of the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom.