35 Jahre Unabhängigkeit: Kiew feiert Unabhängigkeit: Milliarden für Kampf gegen Putin

Ukraine celebrates 35 years of independence with billions in Western military aid, aiming to combat Russia's invasion. The European Union approved new defense aid worth 6.1 billion euros, which will be used for anti-aircraft systems, rockets, ammunition, and radar stations. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham paid his first foreign visit to Ukraine, offering military assistance and plans to allow production of advanced missiles using British technology.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hosted international guests, including leaders from Luxembourg, Latvia, Moldova, Lithuania, Finland, and Estonia, as well as EU President Antonio Costa, on Independence Day. Zelensky honored the memory of victims in the ongoing Russian invasion, calling on Russia to be forced into submission by the unity of the international community.

He declared Ukraine's determination to overcome challenges, stating that the country has already overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in the past. Burnham pledged to facilitate the production of long-range missiles in the UK, despite Moscow's "unacceptable threats." The EU approved part of the 90 billion euro support loan, to be paid in several tranches, to help Ukraine protect its population and defend its airspace.

The new weapons, including advanced missiles with a range of over 250 kilometers, have already been deployed by Ukraine's military. However, Ukraine continues to face challenges, including personnel issues on the frontlines and internal political struggles and corruption scandals. The EU remains committed to supporting Ukraine, with Ratspresident Costa promising ongoing and comprehensive assistance.

Over 220 billion euros have already been mobilized for the war effort, with more aid in preparation, and sanctions against Russia have proven effective.