Ukraine marked Statehood Day on 15 July, a holiday that also commemorates the Baptism of Kyivan Rus in 988. The occasion celebrates more than a millennium of Ukrainian statehood and cultural continuity. In a video address from Kyiv’s Volodymyrska Hill, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared, “Ukrainians were here, Ukrainians are here, Ukrainians will be here,” stressing that life, national values and the Ukrainian spirit “always triumph.” Zelenskyy said the country’s perseverance is rooted in defending its own home and identity and vowed that Ukraine will ultimately prevail in the war. The celebration comes as the Russian invasion enters its third year, with nightly missile and drone attacks continuing to strike civilian areas. Western allies used the anniversary to reaffirm support: Germany’s mission to NATO said it stands “resolutely with Ukraine,” echoing similar messages from other partners.