A Parade Was Held In Kyiv To Mark Ukraine's Independence Day
- 24.08.2026, 17:17
Unmanned systems and robotic technology took center stage.
To mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, a parade was held in Kyiv featuring ground-based robotic systems, maritime drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, and fighter jets. A video was posted on YouTube by the Office of the President of Ukraine.
“Strength is what moves forward: on land, on water, and in the sky. Where the enemy seeks our weakness, we create our advantage. Where just yesterday there were limits to what was possible—today there is technology, speed, and precision. This momentum cannot be stopped,” the post reads, while the footage shows Ukrainian unmanned ground vehicles moving across Independence Square, maritime drones on the Dnipro River, and drones, interceptors, and aircraft in the sky.
During a ceremonial speech from St. Sophia Square in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that now, of course, is not the time to boast, but Ukraine has something to show. He thanked the Ukrainians who manufacture and use Ukrainian weapons, expressed his gratitude to everyone who defends Ukraine—those currently on the front lines and those who have given their lives for Ukraine—and also addressed Ukraine’s partners.
“Today we will see Ukraine’s strength— what we use to protect the lives of our people, what makes this war unique, and what will allow Ukraine, after this war, to become a true provider of security for its partners, for its friends—first and foremost for our Europe and for everyone who has helped us since the start of the war and who is helping us now. Ukraine knows how to be grateful. Ukraine knows how to be strong,” Zelenskyy noted.
He emphasized that Ukrainians are free people who dream of living their own lives and ensuring that their children, too, live freely—not under “someone else’s empire.”
“Ukrainians will not be stepping stones under the feet of kings and leaders. Ukrainians will not be bargaining chips in the disputes of capitals. Ukrainians will not submit to what they do not believe in, and they will certainly not give up their dream. Dreams of living, dreams of living independently,” Zelenskyy said.