Ukraine commemorates its 33rd Independence Day in a solemn manner as the nation continues to endure its war with Russia, now reaching the 30-month mark. This year, the celebrations are far from the traditional fireworks, parades, and concerts. Instead, Ukrainians are observing the day by honoring the civilians and soldiers who have lost their lives in the conflict.

Social media has been flooded with messages of support and gratitude, as citizens express solidarity and thank the soldiers on the front lines. Despite the collective weariness after two-and-a-half years of war, there remains a strong sense of unity among the people.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation, stating, "Independence is the silence we feel when we lose our people. It is the strength that emerges from the shelters during air raids, reminding the enemy that they will not succeed."

Zelenskyy highlighted that the war, initially sparked by Russia, has now extended to its own territory. He referred to Ukraine’s recent incursion into the Russian region of Kursk, which took place earlier this month. “Those who sow evil on our land will see it grow on their own soil,” he warned.

The president’s speech was symbolically recorded in the northeastern town of Sumy, close to the Russian border, where Ukrainian forces crossed into Russia on August 6. "913 days ago, Russia launched this war against us, partly through the Sumy region," Zelenskyy said. "They crossed not just our borders, but the boundaries of decency and logic, driven by their desire to destroy us."

Ukraine’s surprise advance into Russia’s Kursk region opened a new front in the conflict, altering the war's dynamics. Ukrainian forces quickly captured significant Russian territory, including numerous small towns, and took hundreds of Russian soldiers prisoner. These moves could potentially shift the course of the war.

Zelenskyy emphasized, “Those who aimed to turn our lands into a buffer zone must now worry that their own country could become a buffer federation. This is how independence answers back."

Ukraine’s military claims to control 1,200 square kilometers (480 square miles) of Russian territory in Kursk. Over the past week, Ukraine has also launched drone strikes targeting key bridges, Russian airfields, and drone bases.

While Ukraine continues its offensive into Russian territory, it is also evacuating residents from Pokrovsk, a city in eastern Ukraine now under threat as Russian forces approach within 10 kilometers (6 miles) of the area. Once a city of 60,000 people, residents of Pokrovsk were seen registering for evacuation and boarding trains to seek safety further away from the conflict.

In the midst of the ongoing battle, a brief yet significant visit was made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who traveled to Kyiv on Friday. After a warm embrace with Zelenskyy, Modi offered his assistance "as a friend" to help bring peace to Ukraine. His visit has sparked hope among Ukrainians that India may play a role in mediating peace in the war-torn region.

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