Today marks the 31st Independence Day for Ukraine, and even though Russia’s been spreading rumors about attacking civilian locations, the country continues with national holiday.

Though many are congratulating Ukraine for their Independence Day, today will still feel more somber than the previous years when they would host lavish parades and public celebrations. Each home is filled with food, and family members travel from towns to cities and vice versa to celebrate together. This year, it is different, but the solidarity is stronger.

As President Volodymyr Zelensky noted in his Independence Day remarks, today is the day Ukraine will fight for its freedom (literally), compared to the ballot box voting they did decades ago.

“A new nation emerged on February 24 at 4 a.m. Not born, but reborn. A nation that didn’t cry, didn’t scream, didn’t get scared. Didn’t run away. Didn’t give up. Didn’t forget.”

“Every new day is a new reason not to give up. Because, having gone through so much, we have no right not to reach the end. What is the end of the war for us? We used to say: Peace. Now we say: VICTORY.

The world is behind Ukraine as they celebrate this momentous day, hoping to see VICTORY someday soon.

Ukrainian journalist Olga Tokariuk is hopeful that Ukraine will “prevail” and that “good will win over evil, light will defeat darkness.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also sent his regards to all Ukrainian-Australians saying entire country stands with them “in the struggle for peace and freedom.”

“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.”

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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.”

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.