Address by the President on Ukraine’s Independence Day

24 August 2025 – 09:01

Dear Ukrainians! Dear people!

Today is Ukraine’s Independence Day.

I am here now, in the heart of Kyiv, on Independence Square. And it is here that one can best feel what independence truly means, why it is so important to us. And why Maidan is much more than just the main square of our country. For it is a symbol: a symbol of independence, its guardian. This is the place where history is always made, where the energy and strength of our people are born in times of threat to our independence.

And now, as the full-scale war for independence continues, it is here, on Maidan, that one can find such powerful symbols. Symbols of how we fight, what we fight for, and how we overcome this war.

These symbols are all around us, in this Monument of Independence. Inside, it has a reinforced concrete frame and can literally withstand a hurricane. Just like our Ukraine has withstood the great calamity that Russia brought to our land. Here, at the “Zero Kilometer.” This is the starting point, where distances to Ukrainian cities are marked. To our Donetsk, our Luhansk, our Crimea. And today, these markers have an entirely different meaning. They are no longer just about kilometers. They remind us that all of this is Ukraine. And our people are there, and no distance between us can change that, and no temporary occupation can alter that. And one day, this distance between Ukrainians will disappear, and we will be together again as one family, as one country. It is only a matter of time. And Ukraine believes it can achieve this – secure peace, peace across its entire land. Ukraine is capable of it.

Because Ukraine has character. Rock-solid endurance, a gaze we do not avert, and hands scorched by fire and time, yet strong. Hands that hold the shield and defend what is theirs: their land, their culture, their millennia-old history, testified by the legacy of Kyiv’s founders. And we defend our future, for which our heroes have given their lives.

These are names we will never forget or betray. Names that defended our independence. And it is here, on Maidan, that Ukrainians often bid farewell to heroes on the shield. And everyone who has ever been to such a farewell, and everyone who has lost someone in this war, carries a personal reckoning with Russia forever and has vowed never to forget their heroes.

The embodiment of that vow is this field of national memory – a field of great strength, for in every small flag lies someone’s remarkable story, action, and choice: a choice in favor of Ukraine, in favor of the future, specifically, the freedom of peace and the peace of freedom. This is the philosophy reflected in our culture through the image of Cossack Mamai, who earned his freedom and can therefore set aside his weapon and take up the kobza, while keeping his saber close, just in case, yet returning to peaceful, civilian life. This is what we all aspire to. And we know: no one will simply give it to us; it can only be won.

This is exactly what we have been doing for 1,278 days of this war – the war for independence. For each of these days, I want to thank you: the Ukrainian warrior, the Ukrainian volunteer, the doctor, the rescuer, the teacher, our youth, our parents, every Ukrainian. Thank you all. For what we have already endured. And for the Ukraine we are creating together. For the Ukraine it has already become. That came of age on February 24. That took its fate into its own hands and armed itself. It had no time to hesitate, no right to be afraid. And it truly stopped the world’s second-ranked army. And we will keep saying this. We will because it shatters the myth of the invincible Russian army.

We have proven it. And we continue to prove it today. Each person in their own place. Each who bears independence within themselves. Who defends our right to be Ukrainians – through their work, their deeds, their achievements. Today, independence is forged on the battlefield. Independence shields the skies each night. It saves lives in hospitals. It extinguishes fires. It teaches. Independence does not sleep, working around the clock at defense enterprises, because it is so important that our warriors have everything they need, that independence has everything it needs to defend itself. Independence is behind the wheel, on the road to those in need. Independence fights in the ring, on global arenas and stages where Ukrainians perform. It is on the pages of books and in the words of poems written by Ukrainians.

When we hear from the enemy every day: “There is no such state, there is no such nation.” And when, every day, we prove the opposite. We prove that Ukrainians exist – and Ukrainians will remain on this land, on this square, where our future generations will stand a hundred years from now. And a hundred years from now, they will celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day here.

It will be so. It will be so because Ukraine is different today. Ukraine is stronger and has self-respect. And Ukraine does not wait for gestures of goodwill, but it has its own will to put into life what is necessary for us. And when Russia wants to take the Sumy region, the Armed Forces appear in the Kursk region. When the enemy strikes our energy infrastructure, trying to leave us without light or heat, then its oil refineries burn. And no one can forbid us such strikes because it’s justice itself that delivers them. Just as when Russia attacks us every day – our peaceful cities, our hospitals, our schools, killing our civilians, our children – it receives the “Spiderweb” in response. And this is how justice strikes. This is how Ukraine strikes when its calls for peace are ignored. How many times have we proposed a ceasefire? How many times have we said: “We want silence, we seek peace?” But a dignified, all-encompassing peace – and that is why we count on the strength of the entire world.

This is the Ukraine of today. And such a Ukraine will never again be forced in history to endure the shame that the Russians call a “compromise.” We need a just peace. Our future will be decided by us alone. And the world knows it. And the world respects it. Respects Ukraine. Treats Ukraine as an equal.

Ukraine that can, indeed, in a single day, gather and unite the world’s leaders around itself. Ukraine with which the United States – and the entire world – wants to co-produce drones. Ukraine that has restored the unity of Europe and the United States and now serves as the foundation of this alliance. Ukraine that stands its ground and can defend itself. And that is why Ukraine is heard, Ukraine is taken into account, and Ukraine is listened to. Its place is at the table; it is not told, “Wait outside the door.” It is said, “The decision is yours alone.”

It was exactly this Ukraine that I had the honor of representing in the United States a week ago. Today, both the U.S. and Europe agree: Ukraine has not yet fully won, but it will certainly not lose. Ukraine has secured its independence. Ukraine is not a victim; it is a fighter. Ukraine does not beg; it offers. Alliance and partnership. The best army in Europe. Advanced defense technologies. Experience in resilience. We say: “We need the EU.” And we do. But the EU needs us just as much. And everyone acknowledges this. And this is how Ukraine is seen – not as a poor relative, but as a strong ally.

This is precisely what the Coalition of the Willing is about. This was what Washington was about. About that and about ensuring a sustainable, reliable, long-lasting peace. Ukraine will achieve it because it will receive security guarantees – so strong that the thought of attacking Ukraine would never cross anyone’s mind.

This is not just our goal – it is exactly what we want and must pass on as a legacy to our children and grandchildren: a strong Ukraine, an equal Ukraine, a European Ukraine, an independent Ukraine.

So that the closed cycles of history are finally broken, those in which every generation lacked something to preserve their independence, and each new generation would enter a new turn, again forced to take up arms, again having to defend itself and reclaim its freedom. We must not pass this burden on to our descendants. We are building a Ukraine strong and powerful enough to live in security and peace. So that here, on this square, on our Independence Square, beneath our flags, on our land, our children and grandchildren will celebrate Independence Day. In peace. In calm. With confidence in the future. With respect. And with gratitude to all those who defended Ukraine in this war for independence. To those who endured, who prevailed, who gained victory. Such a goal is worth living for. And this is what we stand for.

Happy holiday to you, great people of a great country! Happy Independence Day!

Glory to Ukraine!

President Zelenskyy met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney today. PM Carney announced a billion dollar military aid package for Ukraine.

🇨🇦Canada commits $1 billion weapons package for Ukraine that is expected to arrive in September.

It includes drones, ammunition, and armored vehicles

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the military aid during Ukraine’s Independence Day ceremonies in Kyiv on 24 August.
⤵️

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— Euromaidan Press (@euromaidanpress.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 10:28 AM

The package represents half of Canada’s $2 billion military commitment made at the G7 summit in June.

Canada will also provide tens of millions for bomb shelters, emergency medical aid, and cybersecurity assistance.

— Euromaidan Press (@euromaidanpress.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 10:28 AM

euromaidanpress.com/2025/08/24/c…

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— Euromaidan Press (@euromaidanpress.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 10:28 AM

Here’s the video of the joint press conference.

And the transcript of President Zelenskyy’s statement:

Statement by the President of Ukraine Following the Meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada

24 August 2025 – 16:37

I wish you all good health!

Happy Independence Day!

Dear Mr. Prime Minister, dear Mark,

Dear attendees, teams, guests,

Dear journalists,

First and foremost, I want to once again thank Mark for this visit today – on such an important day for Ukraine and all Ukrainians, our Independence Day. This is deeply symbolic, as Canada was among the first to recognize the restoration of Ukraine’s independence, to recognize our sovereign state. For 34 years now, we have stood firmly together with Canada – as friends, as partners – sharing the same understanding of what our values are and how they must be defended. I am grateful to Canada for all the support – support that is truly sincere. We also deeply value the special bond between our peoples and cultures: Canada is home to one of the largest and strongest Ukrainian communities – more than one million people. This significantly enriches our relations and our closeness – the closeness between Ukraine and Canada. I am confident that we will always remain this close. Thank you.

But today, Mark’s visit is not limited to symbolism alone – we have had a very substantive meeting. There are important documents signed, there are clear agreements. The Action Plan for the Implementation of the Agreement on Security Cooperation between our countries, the Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters signed at the ministerial level, and the Letter of Intent on drone production. This is important, this is a priority, and you all know it. And now is the time when every day matters and should be filled with meaning. We discussed diplomacy – all our contacts and opportunities with partners. I informed Mark about our work with our American partners, and we discussed the prospects together with the Prime Minister. We must continue to put pressure on Russia to end this war, to end it with dignity, with guaranteed security and guaranteed peace. This is possible only through the joint strength of everyone in the world who wants peace and respects international law. The leaders’ dialogue format is the most effective path. I am grateful to Canada for its support in this regard and for its willingness to work at its level with other global actors to put greater pressure on Russia.

Canada is an active participant in the Coalition of the Willing, and we expect Canada to take an active role in implementing the security guarantees. Our teams – the members of the coalition – are currently developing the format for future joint security guarantees for Ukraine and for the region. It is important to make everything as practical as possible. We believe that Canada should be represented at the same level as our closest partners in Europe in developing the security guarantees and in engaging in the process of safeguarding peace. We count on the presence of Canadian forces in Ukraine. This is important for us.

Today, we discussed our defense cooperation. NATO countries are now joining a new program called PURL – a collective tool that allows for increased support for Ukraine through the procurement of weapons specifically from the United States of America. The program already includes decisions totaling 1.5 billion dollars. European countries have taken their steps, and I am grateful for Canada’s readiness to join the program. We have discussed this, and the Prime Minister has already said that there will be an additional $500 million, which is very important for us. I informed Mark about our capacities in weapons production, and this is primarily about identifying our priorities with Canada. Our top priority is drones for the front. We face a significant funding shortfall, even though we could substantially increase the supply of drones. Drones are now the kind of weapon that is essential – to hold the front, to deliver the necessary strikes to protect our energy infrastructure, and to strike enemy targets. That is why drones are number one in our defense efforts and tactical operations.

They allow us to save lives on the battlefield. The funds provided by Canada will be directed specifically toward drone production. We discussed this, and we have reached agreements. Canada is ready to provide funding and join this initiative. Thank you for that, Mark. Thank you.

Another important area of our cooperation is sanctions. Here, of course, we are grateful to Canada. Canada is among the leaders in sanctions efforts, and we greatly appreciate that. Canada is often the first to impose sanctions against certain entities, and then the world follows suit. We have now effectively prepared a new level of such work – Ukraine has synchronized its sanctions with those of Canada, and the corresponding decision took effect yesterday. In the near future, we are preparing for Canada to synchronize with our Ukrainian sanctions – our initial sanctions packages will be extended to Canada’s jurisdiction. This is important, and I am grateful that together we are raising the pressure on Russia to a truly tangible level. We are also working to ensure that Russian assets are used for protection against Russian aggression. We are thankful for this support.

We discussed energy cooperation, which is very important for us – energy is the foundation of resilience. Today, I offered Canada to join major energy projects – a large-scale energy partnership. We have the necessary port infrastructure and storage capacities. Ukrainian storage facilities can be used for the supply of Canadian gas, and this is crucial for stability not only in Ukraine but across Europe. Mark and I discussed the possibility of a rapid implementation of such a program. I believe that our energy ministers will hold a separate meeting to discuss all these details. We agreed that this will take place in the coming days. We are counting on Canada’s participation in the reconstruction of Ukraine, and this applies not only to restoring facilities but also to restoring people – rehabilitation after injuries. We discussed such programs for our veterans, and I am grateful to Canada for its readiness and very hopeful that we will see concrete initiatives that can truly benefit many of our people.

And one more thing.

I want to especially highlight Canada’s participation in our global coalition to bring home Ukrainian children who were abducted by Russia. These are thousands of children who remain in Russia, and it is extremely difficult to bring them back. But this must happen – without a doubt. We are grateful to everyone who is helping. Forty-one countries are now part of our coalition. I am thankful to Canada for its active involvement. We must bring back all Ukrainian children, all prisoners – our servicemen and our civilians. And today, we have the opportunity – the Head of the Office will be there with the team, as well as the Prime Minister with the team. Today there will be an opportunity to visit the Bring Kids Back office and to discuss the programs we have and what we are counting on.

We are very hopeful that one day all our children will be home – in a peaceful, independent Ukraine with guaranteed security. We are working together precisely to make this happen.

And today, on Independence Day, I want to especially thank our warriors. They have achieved very good results in long-range strikes. Everyone can see it, and today we have, I believe, very, very positive results in Donbas. Some good surprises for the Russians. I think the Commander-in-Chief will share all the details later.

Glory to Ukraine!

Georgia:

Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!

Your freedom is our freedom – and vice versa too.

This is why Ukrainians and Georgians have fought together and on each other’s side against Russia’s rotten Empire.

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— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 12:20 PM

Georgian activists in Batumi, Georgia, celebrating Ukraine’s Independence Day. 🇬🇪🇺🇦✊

📷 Meggie Diasamidze

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 2:03 PM

Happy Independence Day, dear Ukraine, from day 270 of daily protests on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi, Georgia! 🇬🇪🇺🇦

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 1:10 PM

“Слава Україні! Героям слава!
Слава нації! Смерть ворогам!
Україна понадусе!”

Today, on Ukraine’s Independence Day, Georgians march for their dearest ally.
We share the same fight—and we will prevail together.

Day 270 of daily, nationwide protests in Georgia.”

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— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 12:28 PM

On the 270th day of continuous protests, people joined the traditional rally on Rustaveli Avenue with a solidarity march marking Ukraine’s Independence Day.

#GeorgiaProtests
#UkraineIndependenceDay

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— Publika.ge (@publikage.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 2:28 PM

Norway:

🇳🇴Norway provides air defense worth seven billion kroner (740mln USD) to Ukraine!

Norway and Germany are funding two Patriot systems including missiles. In addition, Norway is contributing to the procurement of air defense radars from the German Hensoldt and air defense systems from Kongsberg.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 3:54 AM

The US:

The US has approved the sale of 3,350 ERAM missiles to Ukraine, expected to arrive in about six weeks, WSJ reports. The package is funded by European countries through the PURL program.
www.wsj.com/politics/nat…

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 4:09 AM

ERAM, developed in the US for Ukraine, reportedly has a range of 463 km and a 227 kg warhead, but its exact design remains unknown. Some analysts suggest it could be a modified PJDAM or JSOW-ER.

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 4:09 AM

At the same time, US policy since summer 2025 blocks the use of long-range weapons, including ERAM and Storm Shadow, for strikes on Russian territory.

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 4:09 AM

Just to make this clear, the ERAM is a long range munition specifically designed for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s genocidal re-invasion. The Europeans are buying 3,350 of them for the Ukrainians, but because Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Colby decided a few months back that Ukraine could NOT use them for strikes against legitimate targets on Russian territory.

Back to Ukraine.

Honestly some of the hardest pictures ever taken are of Ukrainian servicemen in northern lights

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— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 4:20 PM

Excited for northern lights season only cause of this

— Mira of Kyiv 🇺🇦 (@reshetz.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 4:20 PM

Kherson:

Former Kherson Mayor Volodymyr Mykolayenko before and after his release from russian captivity, where he spent over 3 years.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 10:47 AM

He is free!

Volodymyr Mykolayenko was released in today’s swap.

He called his wife with the first words “Slava Ukraini”, and greeted his fellow Kherson residents with Independence Day.

I am not crying you are.

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— Olena Halushka (@halushka.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 11:08 AM

The first video has appeared of freed journalist Dmytro Khilyuk after his release from Russian captivity. Also shown is former Kherson mayor Volodymyr Mykolayenko, who had been held since 2022 and reportedly refused an exchange so that another seriously ill prisoner could be freed instead.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 10:13 AM

Kharkiv:

Kharkiv citizens’ reaction to our trademark ‘Starry Sky’ street lights being turned back on for Independence Day.

It may seem like such a small thing, but for Kharkiv citizens who miss our once lively, creative, fun, and radiant city, seeing those lights means the world.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 1:32 PM

Kharkiv right now ❤️‍🩹

I’m almost crying. We’re banned from organizing celebrations. Warned against crowds and gatherings due to constant russian bombings. But we’re alive, and we’ll keep living. That’s our collective “fuck you” to russia.

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 2:41 PM

I love our people 😂

Kharkiv 📍

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 2:54 PM

The Dnipro River:

Ukrainian USV “Baracuda” operating in Dnipro river. Drone can be equipped with different weapon systems. For example grenade launchers and naval mines

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 5:36 AM

The Kursk cross-border offensive:

Special forces from UA_REG_TEAM shared footage of a strike on the Russian 155th Naval Infantry Brigade headquarters in Kursk region in early July, which killed Major General Gudkov and the brigade’s entire command staff.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 12:31 PM

Soledar, Donetsk Oblast:

DeepState reports an airstrike on a Russian command post in Soledar. Official data says the commander of a motor rifle brigade and five officers were killed.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 10:18 AM

Donetsk Oblast:

Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out a successful counterattack in Donetsk region, clearing Russian troops from three villages—Mykhailivka, Zelenyi Hai, and Volodymyrivka, according to Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi.

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 9:28 AM

Rostov Oblast, Russia:

Novoshakhtinsk, Russia. Oil refinery faces a continued apocalypse 🔥🔥🔥

People on the video discuss how fire spreads from one tank to the other

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— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 3:03 PM

Four more days to a new Ukrainian holiday.

Leningrad Oblast, Russia:

Happy Ukrainian Independence Day!

Spectacular fire mushroom rises after drone strike at the Ust-Luga gas processing plant (59.709555, 28.435402, ~100km W St. Petersburg, ~870km from nearest UA-controlled territory. Reports that cryogenic fractionation unit was severely damaged.

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— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 4:41 AM

“Damage to this complex is a significant blow not only to Russia’s energy infrastructure but also to its export potential and ambitions in the petrochemical sector.” – Exilenova+ Telegram channel, quoting “open sources.”

— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 4:45 AM

/1. As a result of the strike on Ust-Luga —Gas Processing Complex sustained damage.

The facility most affected was the cryogenic gas fractionation unit, which is considered the core of the plant.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 1:43 AM

/2. Ust-Luga complex is among the largest of its kind in Europe. It is designed to process up to 45 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, producing around 13 million tons of LNG, 3.6 million tons of ethane, and 1.8 million tons of propane-butane.

59.7091747, 28.4356830

t.me/kiber_borosh…

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 1:44 AM

Samara Oblast, Russia:

Today’s attack on the Russian Syzran oil refinery. Previously it was also targeted on 15th of August. Russians stopped pumping oil after the previous attack, so there was no fire after the hit.

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— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 4:39 AM

Primorski Krai, Far East Federal District, Russia:

ATESH partisans blew up a railway relay cabinet used by Russian troops in Primorsky Krai, causing train delays and disrupting military cargo deliveries deep in Russia’s Far East.

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— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) August 24, 2025 at 5:10 AM

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

A new Patron video:

@patron__dsns

Моя країна не стоїть на колінах. Не просить пробачити, не просить зрозуміти. Моя країна досі народжується, хоч і має стільки століть історії. Моя країна не просить милостині. Вона платить завжди і за все. Моя країна не вірить гарантіям. Хоча змушена йти на ці кроки не вперше, не завжди, і може не зараз. Моя країна прощає зрадників. Але не пускає до себе, хай живуть де-інде. Моя країна не кричить. Вона плаче. Тихенько-собі, поки ніхто не бачить. Моя країна нікому не треба? Ні, це не так. Вона треба мені. І тобі вона треба. І тобі. Та й тобі. Моя країна така незалежна. Хоч інші можуть сказати «ну так-собі». Моя країна не «акраїна», хоч хтось каже «це факт, я ж його вигадав»! Моя країна — це не гучні заголовки. Розгромили. Загинули. Не мають карт. Моя країна — це спів моєї мами. Це квіти в садочку моєї бабусі. Це мова, якою я думаю і сміюся. Моя країна — це я, і все що довкола. Бо моя країна — це любов. Отож… З Днем народження, моя любове! У тебе все вийде, вірю. І будемо ми співати Червону калину. Як тоді ❤️

♬ оригінальний звук – Patron_official

Here is the machine translation of the caption:

My country is not kneeling. Does not ask for forgiveness, does not ask to understand. My country is still born, even though it has so many centuries of history. My country does not ask for alms. It pays always and for everything. My country does not believe the guarantees. Although I am forced to take these steps not for the first time, not always, and maybe not now. My country forgives traitors. But he does not let in, let them live elsewhere. My country does not scream. She cries. Quietly, so far no one sees. No one needs my country? No, it’s not like that. I need her. And you need her. And you. And you too. My country is so independent. Although others may say “so-so.” My country is not “akraina,” although someone says “this is a fact, I invented it”! My country is not big headlines. Smashed Died They don’t have cards. My country is my mother’s singing. These are the flowers in my grandmother’s kindergarten. This is the language I think and laugh in. My country is me and everything around. Because my country is love. So… Happy birthday, my love! Everything will work out for you, I believe. And we will sing the Red Viburnum. How then ❤️

Open thread!