Paris Landmark Glows in Ukrainian Colours for Independence Day
Paris's Eiffel Tower lit up in Ukraine's colours for its 35th Independence Day, as European leaders gathered in Kyiv.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris was bathed in the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag on Monday night, a striking tribute as Ukraine celebrated its 35th Independence Day. Crowds gathered around the iconic landmark to mark the occasion.
The illumination coincided with a significant political moment in Kyiv, where European leaders joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the anniversary. The discussions in the capital focused on strengthening Ukraine's long-range missile capabilities, even as Russia's invasion, now in its fourth year, continues.
The symbolism of the date runs deep. Ukraine's parliament voted to proclaim independence on August 24, 1991, a decision overwhelmingly ratified in a nationwide referendum later that year. Russian President Vladimir Putin's stated goal in launching the full-scale war in February 2022 was to pull Kyiv back into Moscow's orbit.
On the ground, the conflict remains frozen in a brutal stalemate. With the front line largely static for months and little progress from over a year of US-led peace efforts, both sides have escalated aerial attacks, leading to civilian casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure.