Today, the celebrations of the 33rd anniversary of the Independence of Ukraine took place in Kyiv on St. Sophia Square. The President of Ukraine was joined by the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, and the Prime Minister of Lithuania, Ingrida Šimonytė.

In his speech, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted:

“Our heroes and allies worldwide who are with Ukraine are celebrating the 33rd Independence Day of Ukraine. And we are confident that Ukrainians will always celebrate this holiday in their free capital and their sovereign state. Ukraine will always maintain its independence, which will never be questioned.” 

The President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, said:

“I consider it an exceptional honor to address you, the citizens of Ukraine, on the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence here in Kyiv. Your Independence Day is, in a sense, the Independence Day of the whole of Central Europe. Without Ukraine’s independence, it is hard to imagine an independent and secure Poland, Lithuania, or other countries in our region.” 

In her speech, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė mentioned Crimea and emphasized: 

“I not only hope, but I believe the day of victory will come. We will all celebrate it together in Ukrainian Crimea and the free, proud Mariupol. That Ukrainians who have taken refuge in Lithuania will return and rebuild the EU and NATO cities of Donetsk and Luhansk. Ukrainian children will return to their homes in Sumy, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions to hug their loved ones.” 

The President of Ukraine also presented state awards, military flags, ribbons for courage and bravery, and honorary titles.