Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his resolve to keep fighting against Russia’s invasion on the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union on Saturday.
Independence Day also marked two-and-a-half years since the invasion began.
Zelenskyy visited a square in front of St. Michael’s Cathedral in central Kyiv and laid blue and yellow flowers — the color of the national flag — at the memorial stand for soldiers who have died fighting Russian forces.
In a video released on Saturday, the president mentioned his visit to the Sumy region, which borders western Russia, where Ukrainian forces are conducting cross-border attacks. He said, “Whoever wished misery upon our land shall find it in their own home.”
Zelenskyy also said: “Only Ukraine and Ukrainians will determine how to live, what path to take, and what choice to make. Because this is how independence works.”
Many people in Kyiv were wearing the country’s traditional shirt, the vyshyvanka, apparently to show their resolve to continue resistance and maintain independence.
Citizens visited Independence Square in central Kyiv where national flags were erected to mourn the fallen soldiers.
A 31-year-old woman said she and others are here thanks to the soldiers who are protecting their country.
A 39-year-old man said Russia is trying to destroy Ukraine, but he believes in the Ukrainian military.