PM Schoof and other leaders emphasize their support on Ukraine's Independence Day

Prime Minister Dick Schoof stressed on Ukrainian Independence Day that the country "can continue to count on the Netherlands." "Not only today, on Independence Day, but every day," the prime minister said on X. More leaders expressed their support for the country that is at war with Russia on Saturday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy published a speech on social media.

"Ukrainians always repay their debts. And whoever wishes misery on our country will find it at home, with interest. Whoever wants to sow evil in our country will reap the fruits on their own soil," Zelenskyy said in his video message, which the president said was recorded on a mountain in the border region of Sumy.

Ukraine. Our land. Given by God. Kissed by the sun. Rocked by the winds. Tempered by fire. Defended by its sons and daughters.
It cannot be mistaken for anything else.
It can never be given away to anyone.
Happy Independence Day of Ukraine! pic.twitter.com/LwnRAjnZnc

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 24, 2024

Today, we celebrate the 33rd Independence Day of Ukraine. We are confident that Ukrainians will always celebrate this holiday in their free capital and within their own sovereign state.

Ukraine will always remain independent—this is beyond question. Together, we have given a… pic.twitter.com/yf4zNaBOah

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 24, 2024

"What the enemy wanted to bring to our country has now arrived on its own territory. And whoever wanted to turn our country into a buffer zone must be careful not to become a buffer federation himself." Zelenskyy is referring to the recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory, in which parts of Russia have also been occupied.

Deepening partnership

The Dutch Prime Minister emphasized that the Netherlands stands with Ukraine and that the country’s struggle “shows that independence can never be taken for granted. It is something worth fighting for. But no one can do that alone. And you don’t need to,” Schoof wrote on X.

We stand with Ukraine. 🇳🇱🤝🇺🇦

Your struggle shows that independence can never be taken for granted. It is something worth fighting for. But no one can do that alone. And you don’t need to.

Ukraine can continue to count on the Netherlands. Not only today, on Independence Day,…

— Dick Schoof (@MinPres) August 24, 2024

"Europe will always stand with Ukraine because Ukraine is Europe," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a video message. "Your freedom is our freedom. Your security is our security. And now you are moving at an incredible pace towards membership of the European Union."

“As we reflect on Ukraine’s journey over the past three decades, we commend your successes in pursuing democratic values, fighting corruption, and nurturing economic growth,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. “The United States stands ready to deepen our partnership with Ukraine.”

Declaration of Independence in 1991

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office posted a message on X: "The support of the United Kingdom does not and will not waver." The tweet includes the Ukrainian national salute "Slava Ukraini," "Glory to Ukraine."

On Independence Day, Ukraine commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1991, which marked the country's breakaway from the Soviet Union.