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Ukraine celebrates Independence Day with military parade

Xinhua, August 24, 2016 Adjust font size:

Ukraine celebrated its 25th anniversary of independence on Wednesday with a large-scale military parade in the capital Kiev.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman attended the parade held in Independence Square and along Khreschatyk Street.

Poroshenko noted in his speech that the parade is aimed at showing the world that Ukraine is capable of protecting its citizens, but needs international support in the continuation of its struggle for independence.

"Our international partners from this parade will receive a signal that Ukraine is able to defend itself, but requires further support," Poroshenko said.

Ukraine won independence from the former Soviet Union on August 24, 1991, a day marked as Ukraine's Independence Day.

More than 4,000 troops from the Ukrainian army, the National Guard, the State Border Service and the National Police took part in the parade, led by Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak.

For the first time in Ukraine's history, the parade was attended by military reservists and troops from the Special Forces.

About 200 military vehicles were showcased at the parade, including different kinds of armored vehicles, howitzers, tanks, anti-missile systems and rocket launchers.

The celebrations were held under tight security, with about 6,000 law enforcement officers on the streets of Kiev.

A confrontation has been underway in the eastern part of the country between government troops and insurgents since April 2014, killing more than 9,500 and wounding 22,000 others. The families of some servicemen, who perished in the conflict, have also joined in the march.

Apart from the display of military might, a number of cultural celebrations were held across the country, including concerts of ethnic music, workshops on Ukraine's traditional crafts, as well as lessons of authentic Ukrainian dancing and martial arts. Endi