Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Leaders of the European Union marked Ukraine’s independence day on Sunday by highlighting Brussels’s ongoing support for Kyiv in its defence against Russian aggression.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on her X handle said:
“A free, democratic and independent Ukraine. That’s what you are fighting for. That’s what our efforts are all about. We are with you, for as long as it takes because a free Ukraine is a free Europe.
Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!”
Antonio Costa, European Council President, in his video message, said,
“Congratulations to all Ukrainians on your Independence Day! Your courage and hope for peace inspire all of us. We stand with you side by side. Our future is together in the European Union. Slava Ukraini!”
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, said: “With Ukraine, for all of Europe. For three and a half years, Europe’s support to Ukraine has remained unwavering.
Today, on Independence Day, we reaffirm our commitment to peace in Ukraine. A real peace built on security, strength, and sovereignty.”
How did the 1991 referendum secure Ukraine’s independence?
Kyiv marks the 34th anniversary of the declaration of independence. This holiday marks the declaration of independence of the Ukrainian parliament in 1991, which was also the pivot point at which Ukraine transitioned from a Soviet republic to an independent country.
The declaration was later confirmed by a nationwide referendum on December 1, 1991, that subsequently saw over 90% of the votes expressing support for independence.
Previously in 2024, European Union leaders also affirmed their substantial political, financial, humanitarian, and military backing for Kyiv as Ukraine defended against Russian invasion — and celebrated Ukraine Independence Day. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored in a video message,
“Europe will always be at Ukraine’s side, because Ukraine is Europe.”
