New Delhi [India], August 24 : The Ukrainian Embassy in India on Monday marked Kyiv's 35th Independence Day, reflecting on the nation's history and statehood.
In a post on X, the Embassy stated that the Charge d'Affaires Artem Nosko and Head of the Ukrainian Community in India Maryna Akram led the celebrations. Akram also recited poetry, dedicated to Ukraine, on the occasion.
"The Embassy of Ukraine in India, together with the Ukrainian community in India, marked the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine's independence at the Embassy. Charge d'Affaires a.i., Embassy of Ukraine in India, Mr. Artem Nosko, and Head of the Ukrainian Community in India, Mrs. Maryna Akram, addressed the gathering. In his remarks, Mr. Nosko reflected on Ukraine's thousand-year history and tradition of statehood, our long struggle for freedom and the strength of a nation that has repeatedly defended its right to exist, to speak its own language and to determine its own future," the Embassy wrote.
"Mrs. Maryna Akram read a poem specially written for the occasion, dedicated to Ukraine, to the feeling of home and to the bond with one's country that no distance can break," it added.
Notably, the gathering also observed a moment of silence for "Ukraine's defenders and civilians" who died in the ongoing conflict with Russia. They also sang the national anthem of Ukraine on the occasion and noted that the importance of independence in critical times.
"In a moment of profound unity and remembrance, we observed a minute of silence for Ukraine's defenders and civilians whose lives were taken by Russia's aggression. We remembered those who stood for Ukraine until their last breath, those whose lives were cut short simply because Russia brought war to our land, and all those whom Ukraine carries forever in its memory," the post read.
"Together, we sang the National Anthem of Ukraine. For Ukrainians, independence has always been inseparable from volia, a Ukrainian word that means both freedom and will. It is the spirit that has carried our nation through centuries of struggle and the strength that keeps Ukraine standing and fighting for its freedom today. Volia is Ukraine's superpower. We were. We are. And we will be. Slava Ukraini! Heroiam Slava!" it added.
https://x.com/ukrembind/status/2091819315481678068?s=46&t=IkZB__uu8UcCaVMk-knNZA
Additionally, Indian Ambassador to Ukraine Anjani Kumar attended the celebrations at the Embassy of Ukraine in India and extended his heartfelt greetings to Foriegn Affairs Minister of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha on the occasion, on behalf of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is currently on a two-day visit to Russia.
"Independence Day of Ukraine At the celebration of Ukraine's 35th Independence Day in Kyiv today, I had the honour to greet and congratulate H. E. Mr. Andrii Sybiha, Hon'ble Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. I also conveyed greetings of Hon'ble External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar," he wrote in a post on X.
https://x.com/sahayanjani/status/2091832848349348241?s=46&t=IkZB__uu8UcCaVMk-knNZA
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended wishes as Ukraine marks its Independence Day, while expressing optimism about further strengthening bilateral ties between New Delhi and Kyiv.
In a post on X, he greeted the people of Ukraine and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and said, "Felicitations to FM @andrii_sybiha, the Government and people of Ukraine on their Independence Day. Look forward to further deepening our bilateral partnership."
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also extended Independence Day wishes to the nation.
In a post on X, he wrote, "Thirty-five years ago, Ukraine restored its independence! Happy holiday, great people of a great country! Happy Independence Day of Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine!"