Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a message to the people on the occasion of the national holiday from Independence Square in Kiev. He stressed that every symbol of this place is connected with the struggle for the country's freedom, Ukrinform reported, quoted by BTA.
“We are building a Ukraine, strong and powerful enough to live in security and peace. So here, on Independence Square, under our flags, on our land, our children and grandchildren will celebrate Independence Day - in peace and tranquility, with faith in the future and with gratitude to those who defended and won our freedom,“ Zelensky said.
He stressed that Ukraine will never again be forced to “falls into shame, which the Russians call compromise“. According to him, the country needs a just and lasting peace, and its future will be decided only by the Ukrainians themselves.
“Ukraine will achieve a stable peace, because it will receive security guarantees so strong that the thought of an attack on our country will never cross anyone's mind“, said the head of state.
US President Donald Trump congratulated Ukrainians on the holiday and stressed that the United States supports resolving the conflict through negotiations that will lead to “a long-term and just peace“. The congratulation was published by Zelensky on the social network X.
US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Kiev for Independence Day.
A number of European leaders also sent congratulations to Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed that Berlin will continue to support Kiev “today and in the future“, describing the Ukrainians' struggle as a defense of the liberal order in Europe. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed hope that the holiday would give the Ukrainian people new strength to resist Russian aggression.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Ukraine on its fight to remain “a free, democratic and independent state“, assuring: “We are with you, as long as it takes. Because a free Ukraine means a free Europe.“
British King Charles III also sent a message, calling for “a just and lasting peace“ and emphasizing London's support for Kiev. Zelensky described the monarch's words as “a true inspiration“ and thanked Britain for its help.
On the eve of the holiday, the European Commission building in Brussels was lit up in yellow and blue, the colors of the Ukrainian national flag.