Ukraine marks 31st Independence amid air strikes

On the 24th of August, Ukraine marked its 31st Independence from the Soviet Union. What would have been a day of celebration was marred with darkness, air strikes and missiles. The strikes reportedly killed at least 21 civilians in the capital city of Kyiv. The attack happened in a residential area. Subsequently, a passenger train was set on fire. Russian authorities have confirmed the attack.

President Zelensky had already forewarned Russia of a “powerful response” should any attacks coincide with the Independence day. It appears Russia did not take any heed. Russia occupied Ukraine on 24 February, 2022. Since the war, Ukraine had reportedly accused Russia of war crimes.

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Allies around the world such as Belarus joined in to congratulate Ukraine on its Independence anniversary. In his Independence Day speech, Zelensky vowed to fight back until the end with no compromises.

It has been six months since Russia’s occupation of Ukraine, with no end in sight.