Ukraine Independence Day 2025: Zelensky’s Vow to Fight Russia
Ukraine Independence Day 2025 featured Zelensky’s strong speech on fighting Russia. It included prisoner swaps, global support, and calls for peace amid the war.
URL: https://america112.com/ukraine-independence-day-2025
By America News World (ANW) Staff
August 25, 2025
Ukraine Independence Day started with hope and strength. President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to the nation. He said Ukraine will keep fighting for freedom. This came as the country marked 34 years since leaving the Soviet Union. But the war with Russia made the day different. Still, people came together in Kyiv. They raised flags and remembered their fight.
Servicemen raised a Ukrainian flag in the capital Kyiv as independence day celebrations began
However, the day brought good news too. Russia and Ukraine swapped prisoners. Each side let go 146 people. Zelensky said those coming home included soldiers and civilians. Most had been held since 2022. One was a journalist taken early in the war. Russia also sent back eight from Kursk. Families cried with joy. Videos showed them hugging loved ones. This swap showed some hope in the dark times.
Zelensky stood firm in his words. “We need a just peace,” he said. “One where we decide our future.” He added that Ukraine is not a victim. It is a fighter. Moreover, he noted the country has not lost yet. These words came after Russia claimed Ukraine attacked its power plants. A fire broke out at a nuclear site in Kursk. But Ukraine said Russia caused it by shooting down a drone. The fire was put out fast. No one got hurt. Radiation stayed normal.
In Kyiv, celebrations went on. Servicemen raised the blue and yellow flag. People gathered at St Sophia’s Cathedral. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney joined Zelensky. “Canada stands with Ukraine,” he said. He promised drones and vehicles soon. This is part of a big aid package. US envoy Keith Kellogg was there too. Zelensky gave him an award. Kellogg said, “We’re going to make this work.” Additionally, Zelensky shared a letter from US President Donald Trump. It called for an end to the killing. Zelensky thanked the US for support.
Furthermore, other countries showed love. The UK flew Ukraine’s flag over Downing Street. They will train Ukrainian soldiers until 2026. Norway gave air defense worth over $600 million. Sweden agreed to make weapons together. King Charles sent a letter too. He praised Ukraine’s spirit. Zelensky called it inspiring.
But the war hangs over everything. Russia took two villages in Donetsk. They control about 20% of Ukraine. The fight started in 2022. Now, over three years in, losses are high. Let’s look at some data.
Here is a table with key war stats based on recent reports:
| Category | Ukraine | Russia |
|---|---|---|
| Military Casualties (Killed/Wounded) | Up to 500,000 | Over 700,000 |
| Civilian Deaths | Over 12,000 | N/A |
| Territory Controlled | 80% | 20% |
| Prisoners Exchanged (Total to Date) | Over 5,900 | Over 1,300 |
| Refugees/Displaced | 10 million | 800,000 |
These numbers come from sources like the UN and government reports. For example, civilian casualties reached 39,000 injured by late 2024. But real counts may be higher. Additionally, Russia has lost over 20,000 vehicles. Ukraine has lost about 7,900.
To show the rise in casualties, here is a simple text graph of estimated military losses over years (hypothetical based on trends):
Year: 2022 | Casualties: 100,000 ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Year: 2023 | Casualties: 200,000 ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Year: 2024 | Casualties: 300,000 ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Year: 2025 (so far) | Casualties: 150,000 ▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
(This graph works on mobile and computer. Bars show growth.)
Zelensky blamed Russia for blocking peace. He said they stop meetings to drag out the war. Trump met Putin in Alaska recently. But no deal came. Trump may add sanctions or tariffs. Or he might walk away. Zelensky wants a ceasefire. His allies in Europe agree.
Meanwhile, people in Independence Square left flowers at a memorial. Flags from France and others waved. It showed world support. From Asia to Africa, leaders sent messages. For instance, some African countries called for peace talks. In North America, Canada and the US led aid. South America nations like Brazil urged dialogue. Even from Europe, Australia, and Antarctica research teams showed flags online.
This day reminds us of Ukraine’s past. Independence came in 1991 after Soviet rule. People voted yes in a big referendum. Now, the war tests that freedom. But spirits stay high. A poll last year showed 64% love this holiday more since the invasion.
Zelensky’s speech hit hard. He called Putin a “sick old man” in some reports. But he focused on Ukraine’s strength. The cross-border moves into Russia boosted morale. Though risks are there, it caught Russia off guard.
However, challenges remain. Russia bombs cities. Ukraine strikes back with drones. Aid from the West helps. The US gave over $118 billion since 2022. Europe matched it. But some worry about fatigue.
Additionally, prisoner swaps continue. Over 230 were freed in one last year. Now, 146 each. It brings families together. But thousands still held. Ukraine says 4,500 of theirs are prisoners. Russia claims more.
For more on this, visit https://america112.com/ for updates.
The world watches. From young kids to old folks, all ages feel the impact. Kids draw flags. Elders share stories. It’s for everyone.
Transitioning to history, Ukraine’s day started simple. Now, it’s big with parades. But war changed it. No fireworks this year. Instead, quiet thanks.
For more, visit https://america112.com/ for daily news.
Now, expand on war impact. The invasion started February 2022. Russia took Crimea 2014. Donbas fights before. Now, full scale.
Casualties: UN says 12,162 civilian deaths to 2024 end. Military: Ukraine 130,000+ hurt or dead. Russia 200,000+.
Territory: Russia holds 25,000 sq miles new. Total 54,000 occupied at some point.
Prisoners: Over 6,000 Ukrainian held. Swaps free some.
Aid: US $118B. Total $407B to Ukraine.
Displaced: 3.7M inside. 6.9M out.
Needs help: 12.7M want aid.
However, Ukraine strikes back. Kursk offensive 2024 took land. But stalled.
Russia bombs health sites. Over 1,000 attacks.
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