Ukraine Marks 34 Years of Independence Amid Drone Strikes and Global Calls for Peace

Ukraine marked its 34th Independence Day on August 24, 2025, under the shadow of war with Russia. The day that marked Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 was observed with defiance across the country as well as among diaspora communities abroad.

Ukrainians in Alberta, Canada, came together to celebrate the milestone, highlighting strength and resilience in the face of the cost of the war. In Kyiv, however, celebrations were marred by nighttime drone and missile attacks. Ukraine's air force said Russia fired 72 drones and a single ballistic missile, of which 48 were shot down and 24 struck across 10 targets.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation, calling the war a "war of independence" and reaffirming Ukraine's determination to remain independent. He also read out a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump, wherein the latter expressed support and called for negotiated peace to stop the killings.

The conflict spilled beyond Ukraine's borders, as Ukrainian drones reportedly set fire to a building in Russia's Kursk Nuclear Power Plant. Despite the assaults, Ukrainians remained defiant, displaying flags and rallying out at monuments in celebration of their national pride.

As talks continue, the day was a powerful reminder of the strength of Ukraine and the global stakes of its struggle for freedom.