India‑Ukraine Ties Strengthened as Kyiv Celebrates 35 Years of Freedom

The 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence was marked by a series of events in Kyiv, underscoring the deepening partnership with India. President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly thanked Indian President Draupadi Murmu for her congratulatory message, describing it as a symbol of growing bilateral cooperation.

Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's pledge to work closely with New Delhi on issues of mutual interest, especially in the context of ending the war with Russia. He appealed to the world community to join Ukraine in forging a peaceful resolution.

State honors were conferred on military personnel, civilians, and families of those who had been posthumously recognized. The ceremony also featured the awarding of war flags and ribbons to distinguished units.

Among the honorees were Junior Lieutenant Nazari Grintsevich, Olexiy Yukov of the Platsdarm Search Organization, and schoolboy Stepan Chubenko, all slain by Russian fighters. Additional accolades were presented to shooting champion Olena Kostevich, Bishop Vitali Kryvitsky, Superhumans CEO Olga Rudneva, artist Anatoly Krivolap, and singer Zlata Ognyevich.