UK prepare to mark Ukraine's Independence Day on Saturday.
On August 24, 1991, Ukraine’s supreme soviet declared independence from the Soviet Union, a move solidified by a referendum in December of that year. Starmer underscored the UK's commitment, saying, "My message to all Ukrainians, whether on the frontline or here in your second home in the UK, is crystal clear: we are with you today and always." He recounted his conversation with President Zelensky at a UK cabinet meeting, where he assured him that the British people, not just the government, are united in their support for Ukraine. "We are with you for as long as it takes," Starmer affirmed, concluding with the Ukrainian national salute, "Slava Ukraini," meaning "Glory to Ukraine."
Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, over 45,000 Ukrainian soldiers have undergone training on British soil, highlighting the UK's ongoing commitment to Ukraine's defense. The UK’s Defence Minister, John Healey, has also encouraged the public to show their solidarity by sharing videos of clapping, cheering, and other supportive gestures on social media under the hashtag #MakeNoiseForUkraine.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Healey reflected on Ukraine’s recent military efforts in Kursk, describing them as a significant blow to Putin’s regime and a morale boost for the Ukrainian people, whose resilience has earned global admiration. He dismissed Putin's complaints about Ukraine's counteroffensive as hypocritical, likening them to a bully's outcry when faced with resistance.
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In Ukraine, Friday marked National Flag Day, with President Zelensky leading a flag-raising ceremony near the Verkhovna Rada, the country’s parliament. "We are pushing the occupier out of Ukraine and will give no rest to their tricolours," Zelensky declared, vowing to rebuild Ukraine into a proud, free, and European nation after the war.
In a significant diplomatic move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kyiv on Friday, marking the first visit by an Indian leader since Ukraine's independence. Modi expressed his willingness to play a personal role in fostering peace in Ukraine, offering his support as a friend to help end the conflict.