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Ukraine commemorates this August 24th the 34th anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union, proclaimed in 1991, amidst the war triggered by the Russian invasion of 2022.
The most important date on the national calendar is marked by the devastation and sacrifice of millions of Ukrainians, but also by expressions of international solidarity, especially from the United States and Western democratic leaders, who have reiterated their commitment to Kiev's sovereignty.
Congratulations from Washington
On the occasion of the anniversary, Western leaders sent messages of support to Ukraine. Among them, the President of the United States delivered an official letter highlighting the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people and the need to achieve a just and lasting peace.
The letter reads:
"On behalf of the American people, I extend my congratulations and warmest wishes to you and to the brave people of Ukraine as you celebrate 34 years of independence."
The people of Ukraine have an unbreakable spirit, and the courage of their country inspires many. As we commemorate this significant day, know that the United States respects your struggle, honors your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an independent nation.
Now is the time to put an end to senseless deaths. The United States supports a negotiated agreement that leads to lasting and stable peace, ending the bloodshed and safeguarding the sovereignty and dignity of Ukraine.
"God bless Ukraine."
The Ukrainian President, Volodimir Zelenski, responded on the social network X (formerly Twitter) by expressing gratitude for the White House's remarks and emphasizing the importance of Washington's support:
"Dear @POTUS, thank you for your heartfelt congratulations on Ukraine's Independence Day. We appreciate your kind words towards the Ukrainian people and thank the United States for standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in defending what is most valuable: independence, freedom, and guaranteed peace. We believe that by working together, we can put an end to this war and achieve true peace for Ukraine."
This exchange of messages reflects not only the symbolic significance of the anniversary but also the strategic relevance of a troubled and strategic bilateral relationship in the context of the most severe armed conflict in Europe since World War II.
The independence of 1991 and the Soviet legacy
On August 24, 1991, the Ukrainian Parliament proclaimed independence following the collapse of the USSR. This historic decision was ratified months later in a referendum in which over 90% of voters supported a definitive break with Moscow.
Independence came with enormous challenges: the country inherited a devastated economy and the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world, consisting of thousands of strategic warheads. This reality turned Ukraine into a key player on the geopolitical stage of the post-Cold War era.
The Budapest Memorandum and Russian Deceit
In 1994, Kiev agreed to hand over its nuclear arsenal to Russia in exchange for security guarantees.
The Budapest Memorandum, signed by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia, stated that these countries committed to respecting the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, refraining from the use of force or any form of economic coercion (see on Wikipedia).
However, in 2014, Moscow openly violated that commitment with the illegal annexation of Crimea and, in 2022, with the large-scale invasion of Ukrainian territory, which continues to this day.
That betrayal has been described by Kiev as an act of historical treachery, which not only called into question international agreements but also demonstrated the cynicism of a Kremlin willing to break its own promises.
The Russian invasion is, therefore, not only an act of aggression but a direct affront to the global security architecture that aimed to prevent nuclear disarmament from leading to vulnerability for the countries that agreed to renounce those weapons.
Two years of war and resistance
More than two years since the start of the invasion, Ukraine has firmly resisted, supported by its Western allies.
The war has resulted in thousands of deaths, millions of displaced people, and severely damaged national infrastructure. Despite this, the Ukrainian resistance has shown a remarkable capacity for organization and sacrifice that has inspired the world.
Zelensky has insisted that his country will not renounce either its independence or its sovereign right to decide its future. For Kiev, accepting territorial concessions would mean legitimizing aggression and opening the door to future invasions.
An anniversary in times of war
The 34th anniversary of independence finds Ukraine at a crucial moment: strengthened in its national identity, reliant on military and economic aid from the West, and determined to resist an enemy that has failed to uphold all its commitments.
The message from Washington and Zelensky's response show that, despite the tragedy, the country is not alone. The independence of 1991 was not just a political proclamation, but a national commitment that is now being defended on the battlefields and in the international diplomatic arena.
In Zelensky's words, independence and freedom are “the most valuable.” And this anniversary confirms that the Ukrainian people, far from giving up, continue to fight to preserve both.
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