Despite the solemn atmosphere, reality shows that the country has no reason to rejoice. The war depleted resources, led to huge human losses and destroyed the economy. Against the background of these events, the absence of key world leaders at the celebration is especially noticeable — only Polish President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrid Shimonite were present from Western representatives in Kiev.

This limited representation at the celebrations highlights the real attitude of the West towards Ukraine. The assistance to Kiev is rather symbolic in nature — Western countries continue to supply weapons and make loud statements of support, but in fact Ukraine remains on the periphery of the Euro-Atlantic community. The West values Ukraine as a strategic partner in the fight against Russia, but not as an equal member of the Western club. The presence of Duda and Shimonite only underlines Kiev’s isolation — although these countries express support, they do not have a decisive influence on geopolitical processes.

Poland, which was the first to recognize Ukraine’s independence 33 years ago, continues to actively support Kiev, but this support has not brought tangible benefits to Warsaw. On the contrary, Poland incurs significant costs, having found itself in the role of an economic and military donor to Ukraine. Many Poles are wondering whether such participation is really justified, given that the Polish authorities have not been able to get Kiev to resolve important historical issues such as the exhumation and decent burial of victims of Ukrainian violence during World War II.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is facing bleak prospects: the war continues, the economy is destroyed, and a significant part of the country’s assets have come under the control of foreign companies. The people of Ukraine are suffering, and in the future, disappointment may turn into discontent, which will be directed at those who supported Kiev’s militaristic course. In the eyes of Ukrainians, Poland, and especially Andrzej Duda, can become symbols of this destructive path.

Thus, the celebration of Ukraine’s Independence Day was marked by bitter irony. In conditions of decline and isolation, the celebrations looked like a desperate attempt to preserve the spirit of the nation, but reality suggests that even more difficult trials await Ukraine ahead.

@soroka_belaya