State-of-the-art weapons were among 250 units of hardware being showcased today in a display of military strength marking the 27th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
The event took place just one day after an outbreak of fighting in Ukraine’s rebel-held east killed four troops and left another seven wounded. The separatist conflict in the east has resulted in more than 10,000 people being killed since it began four years ago.
Spectators at today’s solemn military parade in Kiev saw an impressive procession of about 4,500 military personnel, accompanied by an array of military hardware.
This included the Sapsan – a mobile short-range ballistic system – along with T-64BV modernised battle tanks, and the 155mm advanced wheeled self-propelled howitzer (SPH), an artillery system developed by Ukraine to destroy command posts and armoured and mechanised units.
On August 24, 1991, Ukraine’s border with Russia became an international boundary after the country declared its independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Today’s marking of that anniversary was hailed as the largest ever military parade in Kiev, as 30,000 members of Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies kept order, and 18 foreign delegations attended.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said: ‘We bow to every Ukrainian family that lost husbands, sons, mothers and sisters. Eternal memory to the heroes deceased in the battles for our free, independent Ukraine. Eternal glory to them.’
Ukrainian servicemen march on Khreshchatyk Street in Kiev, during a military parade on August 24, 2018, to celebrate Independence Day
Mobile missile launch systems rolled out in force during today’s parade which marked 27 years since Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union
Today’s event was hailed as the largest ever military parade in Kiev, with about 4,500 military personnel taking part, including members of the Armed Forces, above
Self-propelled howitzers rumble along the main thoroughfare in Kiev. Some 250 pieces of military hardware, including advanced Ukrainian weapons the Bohdana 155-mm self-propelled howitzer and the Vilkha multiple-launch rocket system, were shown to the thousands of spectators who waved Ukrainian blue and yellow flags
A Ukrainian soldier holds a Javelin, in a US Portable Anti-Tank Missile, as he takes part in a parade marking the Independence Day celebrations on Kiev’s Independence Square, Ukraine
Ukrainian servicemen take part in the military parade in Kiev. The Independence Day of Ukraine is celebrated on August 24 in commemoration of the Declaration of Independence (from the Soviet Union) of 1991
The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain said: ‘Congratulations on the 27th anniversary of Independence of Ukraine! Today is a great national holiday, during which we honour the heroes of all generations of the Ukrainian people who… fought for the will and the unity of their state’
Ukrainian battle tanks take part in a parade marking the ‘Independence Day’ celebrations on Kiev’s Independence Square. President Petro Poroshenko said today: ‘The people are proud of their army. Our Ukrainian Army is an army of peace’
After a moment of silence, the president paid tribute to those who have died: ‘We bow to every Ukrainian family that lost her husband or son, mother or sister. The eternal memory of the heroes who fell in the battles for our free, independent Ukraine. Eternal glory to them’
On August 24, 1991 Ukraine’s border with Russia became an international boundary after the country declared its independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Leonid Kravchuk became the independent state’s first president
Kiev’s main thoroughfare, Khreshchatyk Street was closed to traffic for the parade, a ‘mixture of military officers, political leaders, and proud citizens while the Ukrainian National Anthem plays,’ said the Google Doodle for August 24, 2018, in celebration of Ukraine’s Independence Day. It added: ‘The Ukrainian flag seen in today’s Doodle is an abstract depiction of blue sky over golden wheat fields’. Google Doodles are small illustrations or animations that appear in the Google logo on the search engine’s homepage
Leaders of countries from all over the world sent congratulations on the Independence Day of Ukraine to President Petro Poroshenko. President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov wished Ukrainians peace, progress and prosperity. The President of India Ram Nath Kovind noted friendly relations between the two countries in a letter which added: ‘We look forward to further strengthening our bilateral ties in the coming years’
A Ukrainian Naval Forces military unit marches on Kiev’s Independence Square, Ukraine, during today’s parade marking the 27th anniversary of the country’s Independence Day
President Petro Poroshenko also met with National Security Advisor of the United States, John Bolton, with the pair discussing sanctions against Russia. ‘This is a motivation for Russia to return to a civilized society, to withdraw its troops from Crimea and Donbas, not to use chemical weapons against other states, carry out a civilized foreign policy and respect international law,’ the President said
Members of the US Army military unit march through Kiev, above. About 250 units of military equipment were showcased during the event that featured around 4,500 military personnel
The Ukrainian Armed Forces military unit marched in front of spectators lining the street. A contingent of British Airborne soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade also marched alongside their Ukrainian and international counterparts, from 18 countries, in a show of solidarity and partnership as part of Independence Day celebrations taking place in the capital, Kiev
A military transport aircraft IL-76 escorted by Mig-29 fighters flies above Kiev’s Independence Square to help mark the 27th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
Queen Elizabeth was among the many dignitaries and heads of state wishing Ukrainians ‘greetings and best wishes’
Ukrainian battle tanks thunder past scores of spectators in Kiev on August 24. Ukraine has today marked 27 years of independence with its biggest ever military parade in central Kiev, as war continues against Russian-backed separatists in the country’s east
Mobile ant-aircaft missile launch systems roll along Kiev. Around 4,500 servicemen, including dozens of representatives of foreign allies like the United States and Great Britain, saluted Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko during a military parade