Today Ukraine celebrated the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. Instead of celebrations, memorial services for fallen soldiers and civilians were held in various Ukrainian cities.

At a ceremony in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Zelensky said the military had for the first time carried out a successful strike with a new drone produced in Ukraine. He said the Balianitsa drone had hit an enemy, but gave no further details.

On August 24, 1991, the Ukrainian parliament declared independence as the Soviet Union was collapsing. Since the Russian invasion in 2022, Zelensky has used the day to boost morale in his country. Today, for the third year in a row, the streets of central Kyiv are filled with Russian military equipment captured by the Ukrainian army.

Because of Independence Day The German and US embassies have warned of an increased risk of Russian air strikes. Sirens have sounded several times in Kyiv, but no major attack has been reported so far.

Polish President Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Simonyti attended the memorial service in Kiev. The two countries have been important allies of Ukraine since the beginning of the war, although a dispute over grain exports strained relations between Poland and Ukraine last year. Since the new Polish government took office in December last year, we have worked hard to repair that damaged relationship.

Zelensky also signed two anti-Russian laws today. He signed the ratification of the Rome Statute, with which Ukraine takes the first step towards joining the International Criminal Court. Joining the ICC is a condition for EU membership.

He also signed a law banning religious organizations affiliated with Russia. The law, approved by parliament earlier this month, allows for the banning of the branch of the Orthodox Church that is linked to Russia. The church distanced itself from Russia after the Russian invasion, but according to the Ukrainian government, it remains under Russian influence.

Abroad, Ukrainian expatriates can safely celebrate Independence Day. In Geneva, Switzerland, people carried a large Ukrainian flag in front of the UN headquarters. Events were also held in Berlin, Paris, Helsinki and elsewhere.

Ukrainian Independence Day was also celebrated in several places in the Netherlands. In Zwolle, Dutch Foreign Minister Veldkamp visited the Ukraine Festival. Lectures on Ukrainian language and culture were given there, and souvenirs and Ukrainian dishes were sold. A memorial march was held in The Hague in honor of the fallen Ukrainians.