European leaders arrive in Kyiv to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day

British and Luxembourg Prime Ministers Andy Burnham and Luc Frieden, Moldovan and Estonian Presidents Maia Sandu and Alar Karis, and European Council President António Costa have arrived in Kyiv, Ukraine, to celebrate 35 years since Ukraine restored independence.

In a post on X, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said he was pleased to greet Kyiv's allies, Caliber.Az reports.

The FM expressed deep gratitude to international partners for their support in strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities and protecting freedom.

“For Ukraine, independence is not an abstract idea. We defended it against all odds. In times like these, nations learn how important it is to have allies by your side. And today, we know for sure who our true friends are. We are deeply grateful to all our partners who have stood with Ukraine, strengthened our ability to defend ourselves, and helped us preserve the freedom we fought so hard to regain. Your support is part of Ukraine’s strength,” he wrote.

This morning at the Kyiv Railway Station, we were pleased to greet our allies who are joining us to celebrate 35 years since Ukraine restored independence.

Welcome to Kyiv, 🇪🇺@eucopresident, 🇬🇧@andyburnham, 🇱🇺@LucFrieden, 🇲🇩@sandumaiamd, 🇪🇪@AlarKaris!

For Ukraine, independence… pic.twitter.com/K9i9644wUU

— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) August 24, 2026

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov