Ukraine marks 35th independence anniversary amid war
Ukraine marked 35 years since proclaiming its independence on Monday, August 24, as the nation continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression. This marks the fifth consecutive Independence Day observed under the conditions of Moscow's full-scale invasion, launched in February 2022.
This year's anniversary carries profound significance, dedicated to an independence preserved by millions of Ukrainians on the front lines, across besieged cities, and within resilient communities. On Sunday, August 23, the country also observed National Flag Day.
From national celebration to a symbol of resistance
Independence Day remains one of Ukraine's most vital national observances. On August 24, 1991, amid the collapse of the Soviet Union and days after the failed Moscow coup, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine. Over 90 percent of citizens decisively confirmed this act in the nationwide referendum on December 1, 1991.
Ukrainian parliamentarians had previously adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty on July 16, 1990, briefly marking that date as Independence Day before establishing August 24 as the annual national holiday in 1992. Prior to the full-scale war, the occasion featured military parades and major public ceremonies, including the landmark 30th anniversary in Kyiv in 2021.
The holiday's meaning shifted profoundly following Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of hostilities in Donbas in 2014. That transformation deepened after February 24, 2022, turning the date into a solemn tribute to fallen defenders, an expression of gratitude to the armed forces, and a reaffirmation of national resolve.
Moldova and Ukraine: shared independence and regional security
The anniversary holds direct relevance for the Republic of Moldova, which declared its own independence on August 27, 1991, just three days after Kyiv. Bilateral relations between the two neighbors have evolved into a strategic security partnership across their shared 1,200-kilometer border, bolstered by their parallel accession paths toward European Union membership.
High-level engagements have underscored this mutual solidarity. Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi attended Ukraine's 30th anniversary parade in Kyiv in 2021, while Prime Minister Dorin Recean held talks with European counterparts in the Ukrainian capital during the 2023 commemorations.
Moldovan leaders consistently emphasize that Ukraine's defense safeguards freedom and stability across the entire region. Marking this milestone, Chișinău reaffirmed its steadfast support for Kyiv, honoring the resilience of a nation determined to secure its democratic future.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
