Kiev, 24 August 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky marked the country's 32nd Independence Day on Thursday by appealing for unity in the face of Russia's invasion, which began exactly 18 months ago.

In a video message released on Thursday Zelensky thanked soldiers, armament workers, electricians, journalists, deminers, teachers, doctors and athletes for their efforts and recalled the sacrifices made.

"Everyone who works and gives work to others is important," he said. All those who pay taxes helped support the armed forces and ensure "future victory," Zelensky said.

Ukraine's Independence Day commemorates the declaration of independence from the Soviet Union adopted on August 24, 1991.

Despite some success in Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces, Moscow continues to control almost one-fifth of its neighbour's territory, including the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.

Photo: EPA