Topline
Ukraine marked 31 years of independence from the Soviet Union on Wednesday, a muted celebration amid warnings that Moscow would step up attacks on civilians as Russia’s invasion hits the six-month mark.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid a surprise visit to Kyiv and Ukrainian President Volodymyr … [+]
Key Facts
Authorities in Kyiv banned mass events for Independence Day, including a parade down the city’s main boulevard, over concerns that Russian forces could target festivities, particularly given rising tensions following strikes on Crimea and the death of Daria Dugina, the daughter a key Putin ally Alexander Dugin.
Instead of the usual march, a parade of destroyed Russian military gear lined Kyiv’s main street for locals to inspect.
Smaller events such as flag ceremonies, concerts and people gathering to create art were used to mark the day in other cities, a number of which also faced heightened restrictions like extended curfews over fears of Russian attacks.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged the U.K.’s continued support on Wednesday and made a surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital, where he received the country’s highest honor that can be given to foreign nationals.
Crucial Quote
In a speech commemorating independence from Soviet rule, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a new nation emerged when Russia invaded on February 24. “It was not born, but reborn,” he said, vowing to “fight until the end.” Zelensky said he no longer saw the war ending in peace and stressed there will be no “concession or compromise” to Moscow. “We used to say: peace. Now we say: victory,” he said.
Tangent
Leaders from around the world also spoke out in support of Kyiv on Wednesday. Britain showed solidarity with a flower display of Ukraine’s national flower, the sunflower, outside 10 Downing Street, the European Commission—the executive branch of the European Union—was illuminated with Ukraine’s flag and President Joe Biden announced a $3 billion military aid package to support the war effort.
A group of people paint a canvas Ukraine’s national colors in Lviv to mark Independence Day.
Destroyed Russian military equipment lines Kyiv’s Khreshchatyk street.
A Ukrainian woman walks down Khreshchatyk street in Kyiv, which is lined with burnt out Russian … [+]
A child stands on top of a Russian tank waving a Ukrainian flag in Kyiv.
The Academy Symphony Orchestra of the Luhansk Regional Philimonic perform in Lviv on August 23.
Performers at a flag raising ceremony in Lviv the day before Independence Day.
Larry, the British Prime minister’s cat, sits in front of a flower arch of sunflowers, Ukraine’s … [+]
A giant Ukrainian flag was unveiled to mark Ukraine’s Independence Day at Grand-Place in Brussels
Further Reading
Russia’s Ukraine Invasion Hits 6-Month Mark—A Look At What’s Happened So Far (Forbes)
Russia ‘Stepping Up’ Civilian Strikes As Ukraine’s Independence Day Approaches, U.S. Warns (Forbes)
Biden Announces $3 Billion Ukraine Arms Package As War Reaches Six-Month Mark (Forbes)
Six Months of Putin’s War Unravels Russia’s Superpower Image (Bloomberg)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2022/08/24/in-photos-ukraine-celebrates-independence-day-as-russian-invasion-hits-six-month-mark/