Western leaders salute Ukraine on its Independence Day

The Associated Press

Western leaders are pledging unwavering support for Ukraine as the war-ravaged country marks its Independence Day. The commemorations Wednesday coincide with the six-month milestone of Russia’s invasion. Leaders paid tribute to the sacrifices and courage of the Ukrainian people, voiced their resolve to keep supplying Ukraine with weapons and reviled Moscow for its attack on the neighboring nation. In Britain, an arch of sunflowers — Ukraine’s national flower — decorated the prime minister’s Downing Street office. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rebuked the Kremlin and predicted Ukraine “will drive away the dark shadow of war because it is strong and brave, because it has friends in Europe and all over the world.”