Greece sends "heartfelt wishes" to Ukraine for its Independence Day

Greece sent "heartfelt wishes" to Ukraine for its Independence Day on August 24.

"On Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrated today, we extend our heartfelt wishes to the people and the government of Ukraine and reiterate Greece’s firm support to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Greek Foreign Ministry posted on Twitter.

The people of Ukraine were hailed as free people for their fight for freedom as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the country Thursday, celebrating its second Independence Day under the Russian invasion.

"Today, we celebrate the 32nd anniversary of our independence – the independence of Ukraine. A holiday of free people," Zelenskyy said in a statement on social media.

Freedom "is a value for each of us, and we are fighting for it," Zelenskyy said as the war in Ukraine entered its 19th month.

The country's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, said on Telegram that the fight for independence "continues to this day – now with the imperial aggressor" Russia.

Kyiv's security service chief Vasyl Maliuk also said on Telegram that the holiday had taken on "new meanings" during the war with Moscow.

"It became not only the personification of our right to life and freedom but also a symbol of heroism and bravery," Maliuk said.

A series of events are planned across Ukraine to mark the day.

In Brussels, EU government buildings were lit up in the blue-and-yellow colours of Ukraine overnight, and Ukrainian flags were hoisted along EU ones.

EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen commended Ukrainians for their "courage, their force and enduring hope in a future of peace and prosperity in a united Europe."

"They are an inspiration to all Europeans," she said on social media.

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