Ukraine somberly marks 33 years of independence as war with Russia rages on

Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine is somberly marking its 33rd year of independence as war with Russia rages on. Instead of fireworks, parades and concerts, Ukrainians on Saturday commemorated civilians and soldiers killed in the war sparked by Russia’s full-scale invasion 2 1/2 years ago. Ukrainians flooded social media with messages of gratitude and support for soldiers on the front lines. People traveled from many regions in the country to attend ceremonies in the capital of Kyiv. Ukraine declared independence from the former Soviet Union on Aug. 24, 1991. Russia launched a full-scale invasion on the country on Feb. 24, 2022.