US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Ukrainians on Independence Day and reassured that the United States will continue to work with allies to provide Ukraine with everything necessary for self-defense and prosperity.
"August 24th is a testament to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and democracy and a day of pride in Ukraine’s strength and resilience. It is also a day of celebration of Ukrainian heritage and culture," the statement on the US State Department's website reads.
Blinken noted that today also marks a year and a half since the Kremlin initiated a brutal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine, describing it as 18 months of senseless aggression that has brought death and destruction across Ukraine.
"As we join you in celebrating more than three decades as an independent country, we also mourn with you remembering your sons and daughters who have given their lives in defense of your country. We stand by you in the fight for your beloved country. It is because of you and your resilience that Ukraine will prevail, and Russia will pay a high price for what it has done. The United States will continue to stand with you and work with our Allies and partners to ensure Ukraine has what it needs to defend itself, to recover, and to thrive," he declared.
The US State Department affirmed that the United States will continue to support Ukraine and work with allies and partners to ensure that Ukraine has everything it needs for self-defense, recovery, and prosperity.
