On 24 August 2025, Ukraine marked its 34th Independence Day with a defiant speech by President Volodymyr Zelensky, who promised that Ukraine would never give up its struggle against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Speaking in Kyiv, Zelensky declared:
“We need a just peace — a peace where our future will be decided only by us. Ukraine is not a victim, it is a fighter. We have not yet won, but we have certainly not lost.”
His message came against the backdrop of continued fighting, Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, and international diplomatic efforts that so far have failed to end the war.
Russia-Ukraine Clashes Continue
-
Russia accused Ukraine of launching drone strikes on energy facilities overnight, including a fire at the Kursk nuclear power plant. The blaze was quickly put out and there was no radiation leak.
-
Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry confirmed a prisoner swap, with 146 soldiers from each side returned home.
-
On the battlefield, Moscow claimed its forces had seized two villages in Donetsk, although Ukrainian officials say progress has been slow and costly for Russia.
International Support on Independence Day
Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations in Kyiv were marked by strong displays of Western support:
-
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney stood alongside Zelensky at St. Sophia’s Cathedral, pledging that Canada would “always stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine.”
-
He announced the delivery of drones, ammunition, and armored vehicles worth over CA$1 billion starting in September.
-
-
US envoy Keith Kellogg attended and was awarded Ukraine’s Order of Merit, First Degree. He assured Zelensky: “We’re going to make this work.”
-
King Charles of the UK sent a letter praising the “unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people,” which Zelensky described as “a true inspiration.”
-
Britain confirmed that its Operation Interflex training program for Ukrainian recruits will continue until at least 2026.
-
-
Norway and Germany pledged to jointly fund two Patriot air defense systems, including missiles and radars, worth nearly $700 million.
-
Ukraine and Sweden agreed on joint defense production, allowing Swedish factories to co-produce weapons with Ukrainian technology.
The Human Cost
Across Kyiv’s Independence Square, makeshift memorials honored tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers who have died since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
-
Ukraine says Russia now controls about 20% of its territory.
-
The war has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, and devastated Ukraine’s economy.
Peace Talks: Hope and Frustration
International diplomacy remains deadlocked.
-
US President Donald Trump met Vladimir Putin in Alaska on 15 August in what was billed as a critical peace summit.
-
Both leaders described the talks as positive, but no deal was reached. Trump has since expressed frustration, warning he may impose new sanctions or tariffs on Russia if progress stalls.
-
Zelensky insists on a just ceasefire, accusing Moscow of blocking direct talks.
-
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Putin is ready to meet Zelensky only “when the agenda is ready for a summit”, accusing Kyiv of rejecting every proposal.
Conclusion
As Ukraine celebrates its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, its sovereignty is once again under threat. Zelensky’s defiant speech underscored that Ukraine sees itself not as a victim, but as a resilient fighter.
For now, the war continues — and Ukraine’s future depends on both the battlefield and the fragile diplomacy being tested abroad.
Comments
Post a Comment