Ukraine: Independence Day celebrations in Kyiv August 24

Event

Independence Day celebrations will be held throughout Ukraine on Friday, August 24. In Kyiv, a military parade of 4500 personnel is set to take place along Khreshchatyk Avenue and at Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square). A parade rehearsal is scheduled for Wednesday, August 22; road closures and parking restrictions along the parade route are expected. Other celebratory events in Kyiv will be held throughout the day on August 24 at Mykhailivs'ka square, Yevropeis'ka square, and Bessarabs'ka square. Roads surrounding these venues will be closed for the duration of the events. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected in Kyiv. Similar commemorative events will likely take place in major urban areas around the country.

Context

Ukraine is celebrating its 27th year of independence from Russia and the 100th anniversary of the revival of Ukrainian statehood.

Tensions remain high in Ukraine as clashes between Ukrainian state forces and the separatists have been taking place on a regular basis in the Donbas region despite a number of ceasefire agreements made since 2014. According to the UN, more than 10,300 people have died since the eastern Ukraine conflict erupted in April 2014, soon after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula. The fighting has displaced more than 1.6 million people. The rebels remain in control of a large swath of territory in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts, which are mainly Russian-speaking regions.

Advice

Individuals in Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv, are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate increased travel times due to high traffic and increased security measures, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. Due to the underlying terrorist threat amid high sociopolitical tensions, be alert to and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the local authorities.