Ukraine celebrates 25 years of independence; President Grybauskaite sends congratulations

August 24, 2015, saw Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite congratulate her Ukrainian counterpart, Petro Poroshenko, on 25 years of Ukrainian independence from the Soviet Union. 

On August 24, 1991, the Declaration Act of the Independence of Ukraine was signed by the Ukrainian parliament, and established the country as an independent state. 

Ukraine was occupied twice by the Soviets - firstly from 1919 to 1941; the second from 1943 until the eventual collapse of the USSR in 1991. 

Between 1941 and 1943, it fell to Nazi Germany and was known as Reichskommissariat Ukraine.

Celebrating Ukraine’s 25th year as an independent state, President Grybauskaite said: "Lithuania sincerely supports your determination to defend your country and reinforce its independence. 

"The spirit of freedom and freedom our people share has grown even stronger over the past year. 

"I am convinced the close relations between the citizens of both countries, fully-fledged cooperation and good-willed support, will contribute to our countries growing stronger.” 

To conclude the message, Grybauskaite wished Poroshenko and the Ukrainian nation strength, peace and prosperity.

Estonia’s Foreign Minister, Marina Kaljurand, also joined Grybauskaite in congratulating Ukraine. 

"Congratulations to our Ukrainian friends on Independence Day!," she tweeted. "We strongly support Ukraine in stranding up for freedom." 

Meanwhile, in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, President Poroshenko was far less low key in his celebration of his country’s 25th year of independence. 

In his Independence Day speech, Poroshenko added 2,100 Ukrainian army soldiers had been killed in the country’s eastern region since the conflict began with pro-Russian separatists in April last year. 

"The 24th of August is a key holiday of the country," said Poroshenko. "The 25th year of our independence can still be like walking on brittle ice. 

"The war for our independence still goes on […] Ukraine's Independence Day coincides with the one-year anniversary of the Ilovaisk tragedy, which followed the direct invasion of Russian troops on Ukraine's territory. 

"Russian aggression has claimed the lives of nearly 2,100 of our soldiers."

Poland and Canada were the first countries to recognise Ukraine’s independence from the USSR, both on 2 December 1991.