Kyiv, August 25(HS):
President Volodymyr Zelensky struck a defiant tone on Ukraine’s Independence Day, pledging that his country would continue fighting “until its calls for peace are heard.” Addressing the nation, he declared that Ukraine remained “a fighter, not a victim,” while acknowledging the struggle was far from over.
The day carried both symbolic celebration and stark reminders of war. Moscow accused Kyiv of striking a nuclear facility in Russia’s Kursk region, though Ukrainian officials dismissed the claims as propaganda. The fire was quickly contained and radiation levels remained normal, according to the plant's operators.
Underscoring the day’s human dimension, Ukraine and Russia conducted a major prisoner exchange, each side freeing 146 captives. Among those returning home to Ukraine was journalist Dmytro Khilyuk, captured early in the war.
Kyiv’s central square was filled with flags and solemn tributes to fallen soldiers. International dignitaries highlighted solidarity: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joined Zelensky at St Sophia’s Cathedral, pledging $2 billion Canadian dollars’ worth of military aid, while U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg received Ukraine’s Order of Merit. King Charles of the UK, along with other European leaders, sent messages of encouragement.
NATO allies reinforced their commitment: Norway and Germany will provide advanced air defence systems, Sweden announced a joint defence production venture with Ukraine, and Britain extended its soldier training mission until 2026.
Independence Day celebrations came just as Russia claimed minor territorial gains in Donetsk, with its forces still holding about 20% of Ukraine after a costly, grinding campaign since the full-scale invasion of February 2022.
Diplomatic efforts remain strained. Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump met Vladimir Putin in Alaska, but despite initial optimism, talks have stalled amid Trump’s frustration. He has warned of imposing harsher economic pressure on Moscow, while Zelensky has continued to call for an unconditional ceasefire.
The diverging paths of diplomacy and battlefield realities underscored Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day – a mix of defiance, remembrance, and cautious hope for peace still out of reach.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
