UK set to hold ceremonies marking Ukraine's 35th year of independence

Published: 00:49, 23 August 2026 | Updated: 00:49, 23 August 2026 Ceremonies highlighting the UK’s solidarity with Ukraine are taking place to mark the country’s 35th year of independence. Andy Burnham will lead ministers in paying tribute to war-torn Ukraine’s fight for freedom.  Today, parts of Westminster and Whitehall will be lit up in the blue and yellow of the nation’s flag. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, who will attend a candle-lit event at the Ukrainian Cathedral of the Holy Family in London on Monday, said on Sunday night: ‘Thirty-five years ago, Ukraine chose independence.  Over more than a decade, Putin’s illegal war has tried and failed to destroy Ukraine’s freedom. We stand proudly with Ukraine.’ Elsewhere, the PM will lead a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing group of pro-Ukrainian countries, with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Ukraine voted for independence in 1991 after the Soviet Union collapsed. Prime Minister Andy Burnham and senior ministers are leading national tributes to mark Ukraine's 35th year of independence since 1991 Volodymyr Zelenskyy has actively engaged with Western coalition leaders, including the UK, EU partners, and NATO allies, to maintain aid packages and sanctions against Russia Defence Secretary Wes Streeting expressed resolute support for Ukraine against Russian aggression ahead of a candle-lit ceremony at London's Ukrainian Cathedral of the Holy Family (pictured)