(MENAFN- UkrinForm) According to Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska welcomed foreign guests in Sofia Square.

The head of state personally greeted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President's Special Envoy Keith Kellogg.

President Zelensky also announced that defense ministers from Sweden, Denmark, Romania, Lithuania, and Canada, as well as the UK Minister for Veterans, had arrived in Ukraine.

The celebrations began with the Ukrainian national anthem and a moment of silence to honor fallen heroes.

During the ceremonies, Zelensky awarded Keith Kellogg the Order of Merit, First Class.

Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson also received the Order of Merit, First Class, while Germany's Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Jäger, was awarded the Order of Merit, Second Class.

The President also honored numerous foreign philanthropists who support Ukraine with state awards.

Read also: Zelensky :“We are building Ukraine strong and powerful enough to live in security and peace

As reported, on Sunday, August 24, Ukraine celebrates the 34th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence. The holiday commemorates the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian SSR on August 24, 1991, of the Act of Declaration of Independence - a political and legal document that established the country's new status. This status was confirmed by the nationwide referendum on December 1, 1991, when 90.32% of citizens voted for independence.

This year, Ukraine observes its most important national holiday for the fourth time amid the full-scale war launched by Russia against the Ukrainian people.

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