Fortunately, my worst fears were not realized. There were no major attacks on Kiev that night or the next day. I closed my eyes and had a relatively peaceful sleep.
I woke up to a glorious sunny day. Unlike last year, when the capital’s central Khreshchatyk Street was full of memories of the war, with an exhibition of burnt-out Russian tanks, around which Ukrainians walked with their flags and in national dress with a palpable sense of patriotism. Even Boris Johnson made an appearance in 2023.
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This year’s national holiday told a similar story of loyalty and optimism, even though no tanks or other weapons of war were on display this year.
The large-scale invasion is still going on. Perhaps President Volodymyr Zelensky has more important priorities (and expenses) than the monumental parade of previous years. Perhaps many Kyiv residents no longer feel so compelled to publicly participate in a war they live with every day.
Activists from “Terminy Sluzhby” took to the streets to call on the president to “consider petition No. 224136 and establish clear conditions for military service.” Another sign read that “the war will not be won on the shoulders of the first volunteers.”
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Superhuman stories
Despite the serious injuries caused by Russian aggression, Ukrainians remain undaunted. The Superhuman Center outside Lviv is a testament to this indomitable fighting spirit.
Yuliia, whose husband has been serving in the military since 2022 with the best of intentions, wants a fairer system for such early patriots whose only way out seems to be death or injury in a war with no end in sight. She also fears that battalions of exhausted soldiers could be counterproductive.
The sacrifice of Ukrainian soldiers is evident in the sea of flags that gather around Maidan Nezalezhnosti. Each flag represents a fallen hero. There is a continuous procession of soldiers and relatives who spend a moment at a particular monument, laying a flower or having a quiet moment in memory of their departed loved ones.
As the colors of the flags and some images begin to fade under the bleaching effect of the intense sun, it is hoped that these soldiers will not be easily forgotten. The likenesses of others have been carved in stone to ensure eternal fame.
Ukraine is celebrating its continued independence today, but at no small price.
Although the crowds on the streets have dwindled somewhat this year, one thing is clear: the spirit of Ukraine is still strong in the many who turned out in yellow and blue, black and red, with sunflowers in their hands or a traditional vyshyvanka.
The selfies people are taking represent pride and defiance, strength and survival. Celebrating Ukraine with such renewed patriotism is a testament to the belief that a new future of true independence will soon be here.
