New British PM, other Western leaders arrive in Kyiv as Ukraine marks Independence Day
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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.
Burnham also said the U.K. had agreed to allow defense company MBDA to share classified information on British components for the long-range SCALP missile, paving the way for Ukraine to produce its own missiles.
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.
In his address, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine today is "not a victim, but a fighter," adding that Moscow shouldn't be allowed to seize the initiative and "deceive Europe and the world."
"You are not giving up our Donbas. You are not giving up Ukraine. You are the best defenders. You are the best army in Europe," Zelensky said, addressing Ukrainian soldiers.
"In all his plans for Ukraine, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin got the most important thing wrong. The enemy counted our resources, stockpiles and equipment, but failed to take into account the key factor: our people — the greatest achievement of Ukraine's independence."
Earlier, Sybiha said Ukraine's partners were expected to announce additional aid packages on Independence Day.
