Somber Independence Day: Ukraine Marks 33rd Year Amid War Tensions

Ukraine's 33rd Independence Day is marked by a somber atmosphere due to ongoing conflict with Russia, with no celebrations planned. President Zelenskyy highlights the emotional toll, and significant military actions are reported. Indian Prime Minister Modi's visit sparks hope for peace mediation.

On Ukraine's 33rd Independence Day, a somber atmosphere encapsulates the nation as it endures 30 months of conflict with Russia. Traditional celebrations are replaced with commemorations for fallen civilians and soldiers.

Flooding social media, Ukrainians share gratitude for front-line soldiers, united by the hardships of the past two-and-a-half years. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy poignantly spoke of independence as enduring through loss and reaffirming resilience. He highlighted Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region as a retaliation and a warning.

Recorded in Sumy, Zelenskyy's address underlined the violation of sovereign and humanitarian boundaries by Russia, attributing the conflict's new fronts to Ukrainian gains. As Ukraine evacuates Pokrovsk residents due to advancing Russian forces, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's brief visit to Kyiv raises hopes for possible peace mediation.

(With inputs from agencies.)