Entering the Fourth Year of War: "We Are Fighters, Not Victims"
World Leaders Send Congratulations, Including Pope, King Charles III, and Trump
EU, Canada, Germany Express Unwavering Support: "We Will Stand With You Until the End"
On August 24 (local time), Ukraine marked its 34th Independence Day, as the country entered its fourth year of war following Russia's invasion. Ukraine commemorates August 24, 1991, the day its parliament passed the Declaration of Independence from the former Soviet Union, as its Independence Day.
In a video address released on this day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, "Ukraine will never again endure the shame that Russians call 'compromise,'" adding, "We need a just peace. Only we will decide our future."
President Zelensky also said, "Ukraine has not yet achieved complete victory, but we have certainly not been defeated. Ukraine has preserved its independence," emphasizing, "Ukraine is not a victim, but a fighter."
He further stressed, "Ukraine will achieve reliable and sustainable peace by securing such strong security guarantees that no one will ever dare to invade again," and added, "A strong Ukraine, an equal Ukraine, a European Ukraine, an independent Ukraine. These are the goals we must pass on to our descendants."
Countries around the world expressed their support and solidarity with Ukraine on its Independence Day. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who visited Kyiv on this day, posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Canada's support for Ukraine remains unwavering, and we stand with you every step of the way in your fight to defend your sovereignty."
President Zelensky posted on X that congratulatory messages had been sent by Pope Leo XIV, King Charles III of the United Kingdom, and U.S. President Donald Trump, among others.
In his message, the Pope wrote, "I pray for the people of Ukraine," and appealed, "May the Lord move the hearts of people of goodwill so that weapons fall silent and dialogue takes its place, opening the path of peace for all."
President Trump wrote in his message, "The Ukrainian people have an unbreakable spirit, and Ukraine's courage inspires many," adding, "The United States respects your fight and honors your sacrifices."
He continued, "Now is the time to end this senseless slaughter," emphasizing, "The United States supports a negotiated settlement that will end this bloodshed and lead to lasting peace that protects Ukraine's sovereignty and dignity."
King Charles III of the United Kingdom wrote in his message, "I send my deepest respect for the unyielding courage and spirit of the Ukrainian people," adding, "I hope we can work more closely together to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine."
The United Kingdom plans to fly the Ukrainian flag at 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister's Office in London, as well as at government buildings.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also posted on X, "A free, democratic, and independent Ukraine. You are fighting for this, and we are doing everything we can for this as well," adding, "A free Ukraine means a free Europe, so we will always stand with you."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also wrote in German, English, and Ukrainian, "As Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day, we stand firmly by their side today and always."
President Zelensky also expressed his gratitude on X, saying that Chinese President Xi Jinping had sent a congratulatory message. In his message, President Xi did not directly mention the war but stated, "China and Ukraine have maintained a traditional friendly relationship," and added, "We are ready to steadily and long-term develop bilateral relations and cooperate to bring greater benefits to the peoples of both countries."
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