U.S. President Biden marked Ukraine’s independence day Wednesday by hailing its resolve after six months of “relentless” attacks by Russian forces and said the Eastern European nation will be sovereign and prosperous for decades to come.
Mr. Biden announced nearly $3 billion in weapons and equipment support for Ukraine ahead of festivities commemorating Ukraine’s declaration of independence on Aug. 24, 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
The money will help Ukraine upgrade its air defense against forces led by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who invaded in late February after comments that seemed to deny Ukraine’s right to statehood.
“Ukrainians have inspired the world with their extraordinary courage and dedication to freedom. They have stood resolute and strong in the face of Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine,” Mr. Biden said. “And today is not only a celebration of the past, but a resounding affirmation that Ukraine proudly remains – and will remain – a sovereign and independent nation.”
Russian forces failed in their early bid to take the capital, Kyiv, though there have been months of grueling fighting for territory in the eastern Donbas region. Cities have been decimated and casualties on both sides are mounting.
“I know this independence day is bittersweet for many Ukrainians as thousands have been killed or wounded, millions have been displaced from their homes, and so many others have fallen victim to Russian atrocities and attacks. But six months of relentless attacks have only strengthened Ukrainians’ pride in themselves, in their country, and in their thirty-one years of independence,” Mr. Biden said. “The United States, including proud Ukrainian-Americans, looks forward to continuing to celebrate Ukraine as a democratic, independent, sovereign and prosperous state for decades to come.”
SEE ALSO: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: Six lessons learned after six months of war
From the Republican side, Ukrainian-born Rep. Victoria Spartz said she will continue to support the speedy delivery of aid to Ukraine while demanding transparency for taxpayers.
“The heroic people of Ukraine have fought for their freedoms for centuries. Many of my predecessors gave their lives for it,” Ms. Spartz, Indiana Republican said. “I have no doubt that with our help Ukrainians are going to prevail in this battle of good versus evil.”
The State Department marked the day by decrying Russia’s propaganda efforts, or “six months of lies.”
It pointed to false claims of Ukrainian affinity for Russia, sham referendums in locales the Russians have occupied and billboards in Kherson that depict patriotic quotes, the likeness of Russian poet Alexander Pushkin and the tagline, “Kherson – A City with Russian History.”
The department said the efforts to erase Ukraine are particularly objectionable after historical abuses by the Soviet Union, in which 3 million Ukrainians died due to food shortages stemming from Joseph Stalin’s economic plans.
“Ukraine has existed as a distinct cultural and national identity for centuries, and Putin’s attempts to violently assimilate them into Russian culture are especially heinous given the historical targeting of Ukrainian nationals in the Soviet Union,” the department said.
Countries around the world are rallying around Ukraine on its special day.
In the U.K., the Scots Guard Band played Ukraine’s winning entry in the Eurovision contest, “Stefania,” on Horse Guards Parade, while departing Prime Minister Boris Johnson went to Kyiv — his third surprise visit to Ukraine — to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin posted a picture of herself with Mr. Zelenskyy.
“You are brave and unyielding. We stand with you,” wrote Ms. Marin, whose nation moved to join NATO after the invasion. “We won’t look away. We won’t forget Ukraine and its people. Slava Ukraini!”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.