Where does Ukraine stand on Independence Day?
Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day today, Thursday. On 24 August 1991, the country formally gained independence from the Soviet Union. Commentators see the day as an occasion to reflect on the present and future of this state under attack by Russia.
Kyiv gaining more and more allies
Ukraine can count on the world, Observator Cultural sums up:
“Contrary to (initial) fears that Germany or other countries would not break off their economic relations with Russia, Europe has demonstrated exemplary solidarity with Ukraine and unanimously supports the sanctions against the Kremlin. ... Hopes that Russia would be crushed by the sanctions have been dashed: at 3.3 percent, its inflation rate is below the European average, and it can also count on a largely self-sufficient economy. ... But little by little Russia's circle of friends is becoming smaller and smaller. ... Ukraine, on the other hand, is gaining more and more allies. When the time for negotiations comes - and it will! - it will be able to count on the international community.”
Secure freedom - and let it join the EU and Nato
The international community has a duty to secure Ukraine's future, Dagens Nyheter stresses:
“If we want a Europe with lasting peace, in which countries make their own choices, there are basically only two things to do: send weapons to Ukraine and do all we can to ensure that it becomes a member of the EU and Nato as soon as possible. Then Putin's ambitions will be destroyed and Ukraine will have the guarantee of being able to continue to celebrate its independence day in the future.”
Now the Russians must fear air strikes
In a Facebook post, Ukrainian blogger Olena Monova comments gloatingly on an order issued to state employees working in the Moscow International Business Centre area to work from home on 24 August:
“I want to record this day so that I can remember it later. The day when Russians working in Moscow City were advised not to go to work on Ukraine's Independence Day. ... Right now, before our very eyes, a new tradition is born in sh*** Russia - hiding away when there’s a public holiday in Ukraine. Now it’s our turn to make them scared.”