Russian invasion Independence Day

World Leaders in Kyiv Ahead of Independence Day

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has arrived in Kyiv to celebrate Ukraine's Independence Day from the Soviet Union, several news agencies report.

"At this critical moment in the country's history, Canada is increasing its support and efforts for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine," Carney writes on X.

Across Europe, including in Stockholm and London, government buildings and agencies are raising the Ukrainian flag to show support for the country's fight for freedom from Russia.

Trump's letter to Zelensky: "God Bless Ukraine"

US President Donald Trump is one of many leaders who have sent congratulations to Ukraine on the occasion of the country's Independence Day on Sunday, CNN reports.

"The United States supports a negotiated agreement that leads to lasting peace, ends the bloodshed, and secures Ukraine's independence," the letter reads.

The announcement comes just days after the US president extended a deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal. Emmanuel Macron, Ulf Kristersson, Keir Starmer and Xi Jinping are among those who have expressed their support for Ukraine today.

Ukrainians pray for peace on Independence Day

On Ukraine's Independence Day, Ukrainians hope for peace in the country. This is what two refugees tell the BBC.

Nadiya Hoian and Nataliya Revkova fled when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Independence Day is emotionally charged for them.

Hoian sends a message to other Ukrainians, no matter where they are in the world:

- Believe in yourself and believe in our country. Pray for our country and be positive, she says.

In a statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj also marks their Independence Day. On Maidan Square in Kyiv, he stands wearing a traditional Ukrainian vyshyvanka.

“We are building a Ukraine that is strong and powerful enough to live in security and peace. So that here ... on our Independence Square, under our flags, on our land, our children and grandchildren will celebrate Independence Day,” the president writes.