World leaders congratulate Ukraine on Independence Day: main statements

Heads of state and government, as well as leaders of European institutions, congratulate Ukraine on the 35th anniversary of Independence. Most Western partners have used festive addresses to confirm support for Ukrainian sovereignty and further assistance in confronting Russian aggression.

One of the most notable became the address of the Prime Minister of Great Britain Andy Bernem, who on August 24 arrived in Kyiv. This is his first foreign trip after taking office.

"On the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence, the Ukrainian people should have no doubts: Great Britain is with you today and will remain with you as long as needed", - stated Bernem.

He emphasized that British support for Ukraine will not weaken, since "Ukraine's security is our security". According to the Prime Minister, Great Britain will not retreat until a just and lasting peace is achieved.

Bernem's visit is accompanied by a practical decision in the defense sphere: London allowed the company MBDA to transfer information about British components of long-range SCALP missiles, necessary for France and Ukraine to create lines of their local assembly.

Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz stated that Ukrainians for several years "with impressive courage" have been defending the independence of their country from Russian aggression and demonstrating to the world what it means to fight for freedom and a just peace.

"Today, on this important day, it is especially just: we firmly stand on the side of Ukraine", - emphasized Merz.

On behalf of the United States, Ukrainians were congratulated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He confirmed the U.S. commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and stated that Washington continues to work on a negotiated settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian war, which should ensure lasting peace.

"The United States reaffirms the strong cooperation between our countries", - stated Rubio, adding that Washington is determined to continue developing economic and security relations with Ukraine.

Ukraine was also congratulated on Independence Day by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. He emphasized the strategic nature of relations between the two countries and separately noted mutual support for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Aliyev said that Azerbaijan will continue to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and wished Ukrainians peace, tranquility and well-being.

President of Romania Nicușor Dan stated that his country will continue to support the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

"Today we honor the extraordinary courage and heroic resilience of the Ukrainian people in defending our common values and freedom", - stated the Romanian president.

He also confirmed support for Ukraine's European path and its future reconstruction.

The European Union on the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian Independence also confirmed support for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The EU emphasized that it will remain by Ukraine's side in the pursuit of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace and on its path to EU membership.

President of the European Council António Costa also arrived in Kyiv for Independence Day. On August 24, he participates in the meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" together with other European leaders.

A separate greeting to the Ukrainian people was released by Alexander Lukashenko. He wished Ukrainians peace and claimed that Belarusians and Ukrainians will supposedly preserve "friendly and family ties", and the two countries in the future will restore mutually beneficial cooperation.

The statement came despite the fact that the territory of Belarus was used by Russia during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and Minsk remains one of Moscow's closest allies.

Congratulations and statements from foreign partners continue to come in throughout August 24.