Ukraine Marks 35th Independence Day as War With Russia Grinds Into a Fifth Year

KYIV - Ukraine marked its 35th Independence Day on Monday, August 24, 2026, recalling the 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union, as Russia's full-scale invasion of the country stretched into its fifth year.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered his Independence Day address in Kyiv, in front of St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery. He noted the war had now lasted 1,643 days and thanked the soldiers who defended the capital and helped liberate Kyiv, Kharkiv and Kherson oblasts. Addressing Russia directly, he said the invasion had cost Moscow its refineries, its naval presence and a generation of soldiers, and stated Ukraine would not hand over the Donbas to spare the Kremlin further losses. He also appealed to partners for tougher sanctions and more weapons to help bring the war to an end. In separate remarks, he said Ukraine wants peace but is not prepared to simply surrender.

This year's commemorations again reflected wartime restrictions. A large concert planned for a Kyiv venue was postponed after organizers cited a ban on major public events at sites without adequate shelters. Independence Day did not bring an automatic day off, since martial law remains in force, and large public gatherings have grown rarer since 2022, with commemorations centered on culture, charity and remembrance instead. Cities including Lviv and Zhytomyr held cultural exhibitions, guided tours and charity events tied to the anniversary. Across the country, Ukrainians paid tribute to fallen defenders through memorial events, with some proceeds going toward the armed forces and humanitarian aid.

European leaders traveled to Kyiv for the occasion. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa were among the dignitaries present, with Burnham due to co-chair a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, the group of nations coordinating support for Ukraine's defense. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also met Zelenskyy in Kyiv the day before the anniversary.

The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said the bloc remains committed to supporting Ukraine "militarily, economically, politically and diplomatically" and backs a just peace based on international law. The EU also noted that the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine recorded the highest monthly civilian death toll since May 2022 this past July, with at least 437 people killed and 2,610 injured.

The UN Security Council was also scheduled to meet on Ukraine's Independence Day over the ongoing war, according to Ukrainian media reports.

Fighting did not pause for the holiday. Ukraine's Air Force said Russian forces launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 72 drones overnight into Monday, with 48 of the drones shot down or jammed and strikes recorded at ten locations. Russia did not immediately comment on the reported attack.

Four and a half years after Russia's invasion began, officials in Kyiv say the anniversary carries added weight this year, coming as fighting, diplomacy and Western support all remain unresolved heading into the war's sixth year.