Ukraine celebrated the 35th anniversary of its independence on August 24, 2026, formally established after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The path to sovereignty began on July 16, 1990, with the Declaration of State Sovereignty, followed by the Act of Declaration of Independence on August 24, 1991.
Independence was confirmed by a national referendum on December 1, 1991, with over 90% voting in favor. August 24 has been officially recognized as Independence Day since 1992.
In 2026, the celebration took place amidst the ongoing war following Russia's invasion, which had lasted over 1,600 days. European leaders visited Kyiv in solidarity, and President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed for national unity. In Portugal, community events marked the occasion, with the President sending a message of support to Zelensky.
