Ukraine marked its 35th anniversary of independence on August 24, an occasion observed amid ongoing Russian military actions. During the commemoration, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the international community, specifically appealing to the “Coalition of the Willing”—an informal grouping including nations such as the UK and France—to extend air defense support. The current operational needs of the Ukrainian military have been highlighted, noting a reported budget deficit of $27 billion.
In addition to defense aid, President Zelensky called on the European Union to expedite the delivery of a previously promised loan amounting to 90 billion euros. Historically, Ukraine first declared its independence by adopting the Declaration of Independence on August 24, 1991. While the nation achieved statehood at the close of the 20th century, the scope of Russian aggression against the country escalated significantly following the overthrow of Viktor Yanukovych in 2014.
The anniversary thus serves as a platform to underscore both the longevity of Ukrainian sovereignty and the immediate, ongoing requirements for international support. The appeals center on sustained security guarantees, advanced defensive capabilities, and crucial financial resources necessary to maintain national defense infrastructure against external threats.
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