Poland sends Ukraine best wishes on Independence Day

"Dear Ukrainian Brothers, Great Nation of Ukraine. Poland was the first in the world to recognise the independence of Ukraine. Today we also stand with you in solidarity, when Ukraine defends its freedom by push back Russian aggressors. I know you will prevail," Poland's President Andrzej Duda said in a video posted on Twitter by his chancellery on Wednesday.

"We, the Poles, believe that free Ukraine, rebuilt from destruction, will enjoy prosperity in the European community. Please accept our best wishes on the anniversary of your independence, sent in times in which we all see what the price of indepenence is," he added.

"Let friendship bind the Poles and the Ukrainians together strongly. Long live independent Ukraine! Long live independent Poland!" - president Duda said.

"Today marks the 31st anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine. Poland was the first country to recognise its independence. Let's remember about this declaration and let's make sure the world never forgets it," Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in a video posted on Facebook.

To mark the occasion, Morawiecki read out a fragment of the declaration.

"For 31 years, Ukraine has proudly celebrated Independence Day," Poland's Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau said on Twitter.

"Although this year's celebration, six months since the beginning (of) Russian invasion, is different, you are not alone. I wish all Ukrainians strength, peace and perseverance in their fight for freedom and independence," Rau added.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told Ukrainians on Wednesday (August 24), in a speech to mark 31 years of independence, that Ukraine was "reborn" when Russia invaded on Feb. 24 and would recapture annexed Crimea and occupied areas in the east.

In the recorded speech which aired on the six-month anniversary of Russia's Feb. 24 invasion, Zelenskiy said that Ukraine no longer saw the war ending with peace but instead with "victory".

Russia describes the invasion as an operation necessitated by threats to its security.

"A new nation appeared in the world on Feb. 24 at 4 in the morning. It was not born, but reborn. A nation that did not cry, scream or take fright. One that did not flee. Did not give up. And did not forget," he said.

The 44-year-old wartime leader delivered the speech in his trademark combat fatigues in front of Kyiv's central monument to independence from the Russia-controlled Soviet Union.

"What for us is the end of the war? We used to say: peace. Now we say: victory," he said.

The streets of central Kyiv were unusually empty on Wednesday morning following days of dire warnings of the possibility that Russia could launch fresh missile attacks on major cities.