Merz praises Ukraine's 'courage' on 35th anniversary of independence

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has paid tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian population on the 35th anniversary of the country's independence.

"With impressive courage, Ukrainians have been defending the independence of their country for years against the brutal Russian war," Merz said in a video on X. 

While European leaders including new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and EU Council President António Costa congregate in Kiev to celebrate the anniversary on Monday, Merz is a notable absence, remaining in Germany to focus on domestic issues.

"Today, on this important day, one thing applies above all: we stand firmly by Ukraine's side," the chancellor said. Ukrainians are showing the entire world what it meant to stand up for freedom and for a just peace, he added.

Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991.

The country has since been fending off Russia's invasion for more than four years with Western support.