Today, August 24, Ukraine marks the 34th anniversary of its independence from the former Soviet Union—a day that has come to symbolize national identity, resilience, and the enduring struggle for freedom. On this date in 1991, Ukraine’s parliament adopted the Act of Declaration of Independence, which was later affirmed by over 90 percent of voters in a national referendum.
This year’s celebrations unfold under the shadow of war, as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion. In an address from Kyiv’s Independence Square, President Volodymyr Zelensky underscored the Ukrainian people’s resolve, calling for a “just peace” that guarantees true and lasting security. He declared that Ukraine’s future “depends solely on the will of its people,” and cannot be dictated by external powers.
The day was also marked by expressions of international solidarity. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made an unannounced visit to Kyiv, reaffirming Canada’s unwavering support. Norway, too, pledged a new $700 million military aid package to bolster Ukraine’s air defense systems.
Ukrainian civil society leaders used the occasion to reflect on the country’s journey over the past three decades, acknowledging ongoing struggles with the legacy of Soviet rule and the devastation of the current conflict. Independence, they emphasized, is not a static achievement but a daily undertaking that must be protected and renewed.
The anniversary coincided with reports of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia’s Kursk nuclear power plant. Russian officials said the attack caused a brief fire and a 50 percent reduction in output at one reactor, though radiation levels remained within normal limits.
For many Ukrainians, this Independence Day carries a deeper resonance—not only as a commemoration of a historic milestone, but as a powerful assertion of national endurance, a call for international support, and a reaffirmation of their vision for a sovereign and secure future.
