Keir Starmer’s emotional message to Zelenskyy on Ukrainian independence day
Keir Starmer pledged to stand with Volodymyr Zelenskyy “today and always” today (SAT) as Britain helps Ukraine celebrate its Independence Day.
Today marks 33 years since the country declared independence from the Soviet Union – and Brits are being urged to “make noise for Ukraine” as a show of support.
Marking the event, Mr Starmer said: “My message to all Ukrainians, whether on the front line or here in your second home in the UK, is crystal clear: we are with you today and always.
“That is what I told President Zelenskyy when he sat at our Cabinet table and where, on behalf of the British people, I outlined that it is not just the British government that’s behind Ukraine – it’s all of us.
“We are with you for as long as its takes. Slava Ukraini.”
The public have been encouraged to post videos of themselves making Ukraine’s national salute – “‘Slava Ukraini’, which means Glory to Ukraine!” – on social media.
And events are being planned by community groups, councils and parishes across the country, many of them involving Ukrainians who fled the conflict that followed Vladimir Putin ’s illegal invasion in February 2022.
Kyiv launched a shock offensive into Russia ‘s western Kursk region on August 6, and intensified drone strikes against military and fuel targets that sparked blazes deep in Russia this week.
The incursion has boosted morale among Ukrainians –
But has stretched the country’s forces.
It’s not clear how long Ukraine will be able to hold on to the land seized from Russia.
“On their Independence Day, we salute the fearless resolve of the Ukrainian people,” Defence Secretary John Healey said.
“They fight for freedoms that we must never take for granted. Ukraine has no firmer friend than the UK and we will stand with them for as long as it takes. Britain is united for Ukraine.”
The Government confirmed more than 45,000 Ukrainian recruits have received training on British soil since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, as part of an international effort codenamed Operation Interflex.
And Foreign Secretary David Lammy added: “Thirty-three years ago today, the Ukrainian people had a choice, and they chose to become an independent, sovereign state.
“Today, the Ukrainian people continue to defend that choice by resisting Russia’s illegal invasion and fighting for their freedom with incredible bravery. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Friday marked National Flag Day in Ukraine, when the country’s president Volodymyr Zelensky participated in a flag-raising ceremony near the Verkhovna Rada parliament building.
“We are pushing the occupier out of Ukraine and will give no rest to their tricolours,” Mr Zelensky said in a statement released on his website, a reference to Russia’s white, blue and red flag.
“We must rebuild Ukraine, our home, after this war so that our Ukrainian blue and yellow flies as it deserves – over proud land and amidst safe, free, and European life.”
He added: “The historical path of Ukraine and the spirit of our national colours have taught us that what is Ukrainian rises, that Ukraine strengthens and achieves its goals only when our people are truly together.”
