Editor's note: This story is being updated. Western leaders and officials arrived in Kyiv on Aug. 24 to mark Ukraine's Independence Day, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said."For Ukraine, independence is not an abstract idea. We defended it against all odds. In times like these, nations learn how important it is to have allies by your side," Sybiha said on social media."And today, we know for sure who our true friends are."Among the visiting leaders is U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is making his first trip to Kyiv since taking office. He is expected to chair the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing later in the day established by London and Paris under his predecessor Keir Starmer.European Council President Antonio Costa, Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Estonian President Alar Karis and other Nordic and Baltic leaders also arrived in the Ukrainian capital.This year's holiday marks Ukraine's fifth Independence Day since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
New British PM, other Western leaders arrive in Kyiv as Ukraine marks Independence Day
"For Ukraine, independence is not an abstract idea. We defended it against all odds. In times like these, nations learn how important it is to have allies by your side," Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said.
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