European leaders paid tribute to Ukraine's struggle for a free Europe on Sunday, on Ukraine's Independence Day.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen paid tribute to Ukraine's struggle for a "free, democratic and independent" country.
"We are with you, for as long as it takes. Because a free Ukraine means a free Europe," von der Leyen wrote on X.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed the need to continue supporting Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression.
"As the country celebrates Independence Day, we stand firmly with them - today and in the future," Merz posted on Xu in German, English and Ukrainian.
"They are fighting for our liberal order in Europe and for a just peace," added the conservative politician.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed hope that the independence celebration would give the people of Ukraine "new courage to stand up to Russian aggression."
British King Charles III. he called for a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine to end the war caused by the Russian invasion in 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the British king's words were "a real inspiration to our people" and thanked the United Kingdom for its support.
The king's message, which Zelensky shared on social media, reads: "I constantly feel the greatest and deepest admiration for the indomitable courage and spirit of the Ukrainian people."
"I remain hopeful that our countries will be able to continue to work closely together to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine," the message added.
The Ukrainian president said that Ukraine "appreciates the United Kingdom's leadership in supporting Ukraine and our just cause: to defend freedom from tyranny and ensure lasting peace in Ukraine and across Europe."
The British Ministry of Defense has said that the British military will continue to train Ukrainian soldiers until at least the end of 2026, with the extension of Operation Interflex.
More than 50.000 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained on British soil, and British Defense Secretary John Healey has said that Britain and its allies will continue to strengthen their support for Ukraine.
"In the face of continued Russian attacks, we must put the Ukrainian armed forces in the strongest possible position," Healey said.
It's been 34 years since Ukraine left the Soviet Union, and more than 2000 Ukrainian conscripts, British military personnel and others are celebrating Independence Day this year at one of Interflex's training grounds in England.
The blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag is expected to fly above Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Downing Street office and several government buildings on Sunday.
"We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, including those who have found a second home here in the UK, in the face of continued Russian aggression," a government spokesman said.
Photo: EPA/UKRAINE PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / HANDOUT
