European Leaders Gather in Kyiv for Ukraine Independence Day

By Aurax Radio | August 24, 2026 | 2 min read

European leaders have gathered in Kyiv to mark Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day and demonstrate continued support for the country as its war with Russia enters another year. The visit comes as Ukraine seeks sustained military and political backing from its European allies amid continued Russian attacks.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham arriving at a Kyiv train station.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrives in Kyiv for Ukraine's Independence Day and talks with European allies.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrived in Kyiv alongside European Council President António Costa and other European leaders for the commemorations. Burnham, making his first overseas trip since becoming prime minister, co-chaired a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, an alliance of countries supporting Ukraine, and announced steps intended to help Ukraine develop long-range missile capabilities. European leaders also discussed strengthening air defenses and maintaining military and financial assistance to Kyiv.

Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union on Aug. 24, 1991, following the failed coup attempt in Moscow, and formally became independent after a December referendum. This year's anniversary is being observed while Russia's full-scale invasion, launched in February 2022, continues, with fighting and long-range attacks causing casualties and damage to infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated that Ukraine wants peace but will not accept a settlement requiring it to surrender territory, while European governments have pledged to maintain support for Kyiv.

Sources: Associated Press, Reuters, France 24, European Commission and ABC News.

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