European leaders rally in Kyiv to celebrate Ukraine's Independence Day
European leaders joined President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on August 24 for official celebrations marking Ukraine’s Independence Day as Russia pushes on with its four-year-old invasion of the country. Among the guests is new UK prime minister Andy Burnham, his first overseas trip since taking office in July. FRANCE 24's Emmanuelle Chaze tells us more from Kyiv.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko extended his congratulations to Ukrainians on the 35th anniversary of their country's independence, despite accusations of complicity in Russia's war against Ukraine. In a message posted on his website, Lukashenko stated that "the historical destinies of the Belarusian and Ukrainian peoples are closely intertwined" and that their nations are "connected by centuries-old traditions, memories of shared victories and difficult trials."
He expressed confidence that despite "geopolitical upheavals," future generations of Belarusians and Ukrainians would preserve their "age-old friendly and family ties," while the two capitals would restore "mutually beneficial cooperation based on trust, respect and equality." Lukashenko also wished Ukrainian citizens "health and prosperity, and their country — peace and happiness."
The Forum of Democratic Forces of Belarus released a letter accusing the Belarusian President of war crimes, genocide, and state terror, calling for Ukraine to hold him accountable.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Ukraine wants peace but won’t give in, says Zelensky on Independence Day freemalaysiatoday.com
- King Charles congratulates Ukraine on Independence Day, honoring national resolve english.nv.ua
- Ukraine wants peace but won't give in, Zelenskyy says on Independence Day koreatimes.co.kr
- Ukraine wants peace but won’t ‘simply surrender’, Zelensky says on Independence Day scmp.com
- War-torn Ukraine celebrates resilience on anniversary of its independence france24.com
- Ukraine wants peace but won't give in, Zelenskyy says on Independence Day channelnewsasia.com
