In a display of military might, Kiev marked the 23rd anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 at a solemn and deeply emotional ceremony that paraded armoured vehicles and soldiers.
Updated: August 24, 2014, 12:00 AM
In pictures: Kiev celebrates Independence Day amid fighting in the east
Ukraine’s president Petro Poroshenko on August 24 decried Russian ‘aggression’ as Kiev staged a symbolic Independence Day parade while battling pro-Moscow rebels in the east of the country. Sergei Supinsky/AFP Photo
A Ukrainian armed forces’ military unit marches past the main post office building during the military parade as Ukraine marked its Independence Day with a big military parade in the capital. Tatyana Zenkovich/EPA
Ukrainian Air Force soldiers marching at the military parade in Independence Square in downtown Kiev, Ukraine, 24 August 2014. The parade, attended by President Petro Poroshenko, included hundreds of Ukrainian troops and display of military hardware. Tatyana Zenkovich/EPA
Ukrainian artists in traditional national dresses perform during a celebration of Independance Day. Tatyana Zenkovich/EPA
‘Smerch’ multiple rocket launcher systems drive past the main post office building at Kiev’s Independence Square. Tatyana Zenkovich/EPA
Ukrainian soldiers of a honour guard carrying a national flag march during the military parade. Tatyana Zenkovich/EPA
Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko raises his fist in front of the audience during the military parade. President Petro Poroshenko declared on Sunday that Ukraine’s war against pro-Russian separatists would likely enter history as ‘the 2014 patriotic war’. Yuriy Kirnichny/AFP Photo