Leaders of UK, Estonia, Luxembourg, Moldova and European Council president arrive in Kyiv
The heads of state and government of the UK, Estonia, Luxembourg and Moldova, as well as European Council President António Costa, arrived in Kyiv on the morning of 24 August to mark Ukraine's Independence Day.
"This morning at the Kyiv Railway Station, we were pleased to greet our allies who are joining us to celebrate 35 years since Ukraine restored independence," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X.
The minister specified that those who arrived included President of Moldova Maia Sandu, President of Estonia Alar Karis, Prime Minister of Luxembourg Luc Frieden and European Council President António Costa.
This morning at the Kyiv Railway Station, we were pleased to greet our allies who are joining us to celebrate 35 years since Ukraine restored independence.
Welcome to Kyiv, 🇪🇺@eucopresident, 🇬🇧@andyburnham, 🇱🇺@LucFrieden, 🇲🇩@sandumaiamd, 🇪🇪@AlarKaris!
For Ukraine, independence… pic.twitter.com/K9i9644wUU– Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) August 24, 2026
Andy Burnham, new head of the UK government, also arrived in Kyiv.
"For Ukraine, independence is not an abstract idea. We defended it against all odds. In times like these, nations learn how important it is to have allies by your side. And today, we know for sure who our true friends are," Sybiha wrote.
He thanked all partners, noting that their support is "part of Ukraine's strength".
According to the UK government, during his stay in Kyiv, Andy Burnham will take part in Independence Day events and co-chair his first Coalition of the Willing session to discuss how Britain can continue to support Ukraine. The prime minister will also announce the transfer of SCALP missile production technology to Ukraine.
Sybiha announced that "distinguished guests" would arrive on 24 August, along with new bilateral aid packages from partners.
The previous day, the leaders of Denmark, Norway, Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania arrived in Kyiv for a Nordic-Baltic Eight meeting.