August 27, 2026August 27, 202648 Time: 9:03 am

Ukraine is marking its Independence Day against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war and attacks, while also highlighting the solidarity and support of its European partners.

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska said she was pleased to share the country’s Independence Day with international guests attending the sixth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen in Kyiv.

Among those present alongside Zelenska were Estonia’s First Lady Sirje Karis, Lithuania’s First Lady Diana Nausėdienė, Serbia’s First Lady Tamara Vučić, Finland’s Suzanne Elisabeth Innes-Stubb, Romania’s Mirabela Grădinaru, and Slovenia’s First Gentleman Aleš Musar.

Their presence in Kyiv carries particular significance as Ukraine continues to face Russian attacks. Zelenska expressed gratitude for their decision to attend the summit in person, saying their presence would contribute to more substantive discussions on resilience, shared experiences and possible solutions to common challenges.

The sixth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen provides a platform for representatives of participating countries to exchange experiences and discuss issues that extend beyond traditional political cooperation. In the Ukrainian context, resilience and international solidarity remain central themes as the country continues to defend itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Zelenska also thanked the leaders of the countries represented at the summit, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Estonian President Alar Karis and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda.

Her message placed particular emphasis on the shared values that, she said, should underpin the future: freedom, dignity and peace.

For Ukraine, the participation of European partners in the Independence Day events represents both a diplomatic gesture and a visible expression of solidarity at a time when the country remains under military pressure.

Full statement by Olena Zelenska, published on X:

“I am glad to share our Independence Day with Ukraine’s great friends who are present at the sixth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen in Kyiv. Today, beside me are my colleagues: Estonia’s First Lady Sirje Karis, Lithuania’s – Diana Nausėdienė, Serbia’s – Tamara Vučić, Finland’s – Suzanne Elisabeth Innes-Stubb, Romania’s – Mirabela Grădinaru, as well as Slovenia’s First Gentleman Aleš Musar. I am grateful for their determination to be here during this difficult period of Russian attacks. This inspires more substantive discussions about our shared resilience, experience, and solutions. Thank you for your engagement and to the leaders of the countries: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Finland’s – Alexander Stubb, Estonia’s – Alar Karis, Lithuania’s – Gitanas Nausėda. Through our joint efforts, we can build a future with shared values: freedom, dignity, and peace.”

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