Ukraine’s Independence Day: A Parade of Wrecked Russian Tanks in Kyiv

“Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s brutal invasion is a test of the world’s commitment to the ideals of democracy and the integrity of international borders. Australia’s solidarity with Ukraine rests in our belief that international law must prevail to preserve the sovereignty of all nations and uphold the basic human value of self-determination.” To all Ukrainian-Australians and the Ukrainian people, we stand with you in the struggle for peace and freedom on Ukraine Independence Day. 🇦🇺🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/k406d9zDCa — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) August 23, 2022 UK’s First Cabinet of Veteran Affairs shared a photo of him together with brave Ukrainian soldiers saying the country’s support “must be resolute and survive the transition of Prime Minister. These heroes are still fighting Putin’s cowards. They will prevail and we must stick the course with them.” It’s Ukraine’s Independence Day today. Our support to them must be resolute and survive the transition of Prime Minister. These heroes are still fighting Putin’s cowards. They will prevail and we must stick the course with them. 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/7ruxcIcKK9 — Rt Hon Johnny Mercer (@JohnnyMercerUK) August 24, 2022 We will not write anything pompous today. We will simply say one thing:This is a nation that deserves Victory.Happy Independence Day, Ukraine! pic.twitter.com/781yy2yOIA — Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) August 24, 2022 “We Ukrainians already know what will come next.We will win.There will be new cities.There will be new dreams.There will be a new story.There will be, there’s no doubt." Happy Independence day, my dear Ukraine! 💙💛pic.twitter.com/AlniF4oMzp — Mattia Nelles (@mattia_n) August 24, 2022 Today, on the thirty-first year of Ukraine's Independence, we are fighting for the right to be free and live under the peaceful sky. I want to thank everyone who is defending our freedom, we always remember our heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine.Happy Independence Day !🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/GwhLD8a9ze — Andriy Shevchenko (@jksheva7) August 24, 2022 Russia Gets Its Parade in Kyiv, with Wrecked Tanks On this iconic day, Russia’s still planning counter-attacks all over Ukraine. One way of them saying, we control you, and this Independence Day is not valid. According to Kyiv’s Military Administration, Maj. Gen. Mykola Zhyrnov has made contingency plans around certain cities and in the capital to efficiently protect civilians against potential Russian attacks. During the parade, Kyiv’s main street is filled with wrecked and captured Russian military vehicles to show Moscow’s failed attempt to capture the city. “The enemy planned to hold a ‘parade’ o Khreshchatyk in three days, but it didn’t work out. Our armed forces answered back,” wrote Kyrylo Tymoshenko, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian President’s Office. Zelensky is also on high alert as intelligence notes that potential missile strikes could happen today targeting “infrastructure facilities or state institutions.” Locals who planned to be part of the parade in Khreshchatyk also backed out because of the warnings. “We were planning to come here tomorrow but because there were a lot of warnings about tomorrow, we will stay at home,” Oleh Fetir, 51, said as he visited the parade with his wife. “We came here to see the parade of scrap metal because the (Russians) have spoiled the celebration for us. Last year on Independence Day we were here watching the parade (of Ukrainian) military equipment, with the airplanes, it was majestic and fascinating. Now, this current parade is quite impressive. It’s missing the photos of those who were inside,” he said about Russian soldiers. Amid Russian threats, many are sending their prayers and are hoping Ukraine finally claims its complete and total Independence soon.