Ukraine Independence Day European Leaders Kyiv
Analysis based on 30 articles · First reported Aug 24, 2026 · Last updated Aug 24, 2026
On August 24, 2026, Ukraine marked the 35th anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union amid the ongoing Russian invasion. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a defiant speech in Kyiv, stating that Ukraine wants peace but will not surrender or cede territory in Donbas. European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President António Costa, attended the celebrations and pledged continued military and financial support. Burnham announced that the United Kingdom would allow MBDA to release classified information on British components for the SCALP missile, paving the way for local production in Ukraine. The Russia — Kremlin condemned the move, accusing the UK of participating in the war. Meanwhile, Ukraine continued long-range drone strikes on Russian infrastructure, including Ozon and Wildberries warehouses, and reportedly killed three teenagers in Russia — Krasnodar Krai. Russia struck Ukrainian ports, Ukraine — Odesa, and Ukraine — Chernihiv. The conflict remains deadlocked with no significant front-line changes, and Ukraine faces a $27-billion defense funding gap.
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