{
  "id": 2973849,
  "title": "Kellogg to Ukrainian veterans: You are the reason Ukraine still stands, the world knows your flag, anthem",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/kellogg-to-ukrainian-veterans-you-are-the-reason-ukraine-still-stands",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T08:01:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Interfax-Ukraine",
    "slug": "interfax-ukraine",
    "url": "https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/1195567.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, the former US Special Representative for Ukraine, addressed Ukrainian veterans during the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence. He emphasized that these veterans are the reason Ukraine still stands and that the world recognizes Ukraine through their flag, anthem, and unbroken spirit. Kellogg urged for proper medical care, psychological support, fair recognition, and assistance for veterans, stating that a nation that forgets its defenders and heroes forgets itself.\n\nHe highlighted that Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 aimed to erase Ukraine from the map, but Ukrainians stood firm. Veterans, who had been defending their sovereignty since 2014, were at the center of this resistance, including those in Donbas, those who liberated Kherson and Kharkiv, and those who turned the tide of the war when no one believed they could. Women served as infantry, snipers, drone operators, medics, and commanders.\n\nKellogg noted that Ukrainian veterans fought not for glory or conquest, but to ensure Ukraine remained Ukraine so their children could speak Ukrainian, celebrate their birthdays and holidays, and choose their own future without Moscow's dictatorship. He stressed that every fallen soldier's name is remembered, as freedom is bought with blood and determination.\n\nKellogg emphasized the role of veterans in Ukraine's reconstruction and their future leadership in government, businesses, and communities. He expressed confidence that veterans' discipline and sacrifice will rebuild Ukraine stronger than ever before. On this 35th anniversary, he reminded that Ukrainians chose freedom thirty-five years ago, and today they defend it, while tomorrow they will build upon it.",
  "summary": "Former US Special Representative for Ukraine Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, on the eve of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, acknowledged the contribution of Ukrainian veterans in the fight for freedom and assured that veteran experience will help build a more resilient and cohesive nation.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg addresses Ukrainian veterans on 35th independence anniversary.",
    "Veterans are reason Ukraine still stands, their flag and anthem recognized worldwide.",
    "Kellogg urges proper medical care, psychological support, fair recognition for veterans."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ukrinform - Politics",
        "title": "World leaders congratulate Ukraine on Independence Day",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/world-leaders-congratulate-ukraine-on-independence-day",
        "published": "2026-08-24T07:50:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}