In Kev, the mood was defiant, proud.
Today was a celebration of independence,
of throwing off the shackles of Soviet
rule. 34 years on, as a different
Russian regime threatens their freedom.
Their president promised peace was
coming.
Today, Ukraine celebrates Independence
Day, fighting, defending itself against
attacks and air raid alarms. And very
importantly, we are strong and not
alone. Every day, we are pushing this
war back to where it came from, to the
Russian sky and Russian soil.
>> But the fight for freedom has come at a
heavy cost. In Kev, Canada's Mark Carney
joined Ukraine's president in
remembering the fallen, while other
allies sent messages of support. The
British Prime Minister and German
Chancellor, some of many European
leaders underlining their allegiance
online, but more consequentially, a note
from a US president impatient for peace.
The people of Ukraine have an
unbreakable spirit and your country's
courage inspires many. Donald Trump
wrote, "Now is the moment to bring an
end to the senseless killing. But peace
at what cost?" Some fear losing
interest, Trump will force a quick bad
deal.
>> In a video to the nation, President
Zilinski vowed not to sell them short.
[Music]
We can do the ceasefire. Just days ago,
when Ukraine's European allies flanked
Zalinski at the White House, that path
to peace somehow seemed clearer. But
progress is stalling, as is Russia's
foreign minister. When it comes to a
possible meeting between Putin and
Zilinski,
>> there is no meeting planned and I'm not
challenging this. But you you cannot
cannot I think understand what I am
saying.
Putin is ready to meet with Zilinski
when the agenda would be ready for for a
summit and this agenda is not ready at
all. If it has any hope of getting
Russia to the table, Ukraine knows it
must keep the US on side. As a show of
appreciation, Trump's special envoy was
awarded the order of meriting Keev. But
diplomacy moves slowly. For now,
Ukrainians must continue to fight to
protect the independence they cherish so
dearly. Siobhan Robbins, Sky News.