Ukrainians mark 35th independence anniversary across Europe
Ukrainians across Europe marked the country’s 35th Independence Day on Monday with rallies, cultural events and displays of national colors, as communities abroad used the anniversary to reaffirm their support for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia.
Independence Day commemorates Aug. 24, 1991, when Ukraine’s parliament adopted the Act of Declaration of Independence following the failed coup attempt in the Soviet Union. The decision was confirmed by an overwhelming 90.32% of voters in a nationwide referendum on Dec. 1 that year.
The anniversary has taken on added significance during the war, with independence now closely associated with Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and right to determine its own future.
Warsaw honors Ukraine’s defenders
In Warsaw, Ukrainians and Polish supporters gathered to mark the anniversary under the shadow of the war.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski paid tribute to Ukrainian forces and recalled Poland’s early recognition of Ukrainian independence, saying Warsaw was the first country to recognize the newly independent state.
“I pay tribute to the heroes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for so effectively standing up to Putin's aggression,” Sikorski wrote on X, warning that Russian imperialism posed a threat to Europe as a whole.
Berlin rally calls for continued support
Hundreds of Ukrainians gathered at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin before marching toward Pariser Platz.
Participants carried Ukrainian flags and banners calling for the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and greater international support. Some called on Germany to provide long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine.
Messages including “Defending Ukraine means defending Europe” and “Don’t close your eyes to the war” reflected the central theme of this year’s commemorations: linking Ukraine’s independence to the wider European security order.
Some participants wore traditional Ukrainian clothing, adding a cultural dimension to the demonstrations.
European landmarks turn blue and yellow
Support for Ukraine was also displayed through symbolic gestures across Europe and beyond.
In Istanbul, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge was illuminated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag on Monday evening.
In Paris, the Eiffel Tower was scheduled to be illuminated in blue and yellow, while representatives from Paris and Ukraine were expected to address crowds at Trocadéro Square. A Ukrainian children’s choir was also scheduled to perform.
Rome’s Colosseum was likewise set to be lit in Ukrainian colors, with a symbolic “Chain of Unity” planned near the landmark.
Ukrainian communities in Sweden and Lithuania also organized cultural and commemorative activities marking the anniversary.
Independence carries new meaning during war
For Ukrainians, Independence Day is increasingly marked by remembrance rather than large-scale celebration.
Traditional activities include raising the national flag, singing the anthem, laying flowers at memorials, attending cultural events and wearing vyshyvankas. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, these traditions have been accompanied by charity drives, military support campaigns and commemorations for those killed or missing.
A nationwide minute of silence at 9 a.m. has also become a central part of Ukraine’s culture of remembrance, honoring military personnel and civilians killed during the war.
For millions of Ukrainians living abroad, the day offers an opportunity to maintain ties with their homeland while drawing international attention to the country’s continuing struggle.
A vote that changed Ukraine’s history
The road to independence culminated on Aug. 24, 1991, when 346 members of Ukraine’s parliament voted in favor of the independence act.
The decision was subsequently put to a nationwide referendum. Turnout reached 84.32%, with more than 90% of voters supporting independence. A majority backed the decision in every region, including Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk.
Independence Day became an official national holiday in 1992.
The anniversary also recalls the development of Ukraine’s national symbols. The blue-and-yellow flag was brought into the parliamentary chamber after the independence vote and was formally raised above the parliament building days later.
Communities keep traditions alive abroad
Across Europe, Ukrainian communities continue to organize marches, concerts, exhibitions, charity initiatives and public gatherings to mark the anniversary.
This year’s “Chains of Unity” initiative encouraged Ukrainians and supporters around the world to join hands in major city centers, symbolizing national unity and solidarity.
For Ukrainians forced to live away from home by the war, such events have become an important way to maintain a connection with their country. For their host communities, they also provide an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine.
As Ukraine marks 35 years of independence, the anniversary carries both celebration and grief. It honors the creation of the modern Ukrainian state while remembering those who have died defending its right to remain sovereign and free.
Source-Photo:AA
