Western leaders gather in Kyiv for Ukraine's Independence Day

European leaders have arrived in Kyiv on Monday to mark 35 years since Ukraine's independence.

Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham is greeted by Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha as he arrives by train in Kyiv, on the day Ukraine marks 35 years of independence.

Photo: HENRY NICHOLLS/Pool via REUTERS

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, European Council President Antonio Costa, Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Estonian President Alar Karis and Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden were among those greeted by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha at Kyiv's railway station.

Sybiha wrote on X that independence was not an abstract idea for the country, adding that Ukrainians were defending it "against all odds."

"In times like these, nations learn how important it is to have allies by your side," he said, thanking partners who had helped strengthen Ukraine's defence.

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

A meeting of the so-called "coalition of the willing" – a group of states supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russia's invasion – is due to take place in Kyiv on Monday.

It will be co-chaired by Burnham, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

(ał)

Source: PAP