In an absurd exhibition of burned-out Russian tanks and armour displayed as war trophies in the heart of Kyiv this week to commemorate the country’s 31st year of independence, Ukrainians revelled, but the demonstration of defiance was accompanied with worries about further Russian strikes.
As the U.S. Embassy advised its nationals to leave Ukraine due to concerns about potential Russian missile attacks on Wednesday, Independence Day, there was a surreal sense of calm before the storm on Tuesday. Kiev has threatened Moscow with a strong retaliation if it does.
The official holiday, which comes six months into Russia’s invasion, is often observed with a military parade, but Kyiv has prohibited public activities in the capital this year out of concern for assaults on large gatherings. It is keeping its celebration preparations under wraps.
Prior to the state holiday, locals flocked to the main street in large numbers to take pictures next to the remains of Russian tanks and consume sugar floss that was dyed the yellow and blue of the flag in independence day. The tank barrels were attempted to be lifted above the heads of the young guys like weights.
They laughed at the irony of the armour show since Ramzan Kadyrov, the supporter of Vladimir Putin and the leader of Chechnya, had boasted about preparations for a Russian military parade in Kyiv up until Moscow’s attack on the Ukrainian capital was abandoned in March.
Pavel Pidreza, a 62-year-old former Ukrainian soldier, was enjoying the tanks while out for a stroll with his wife, Vira. “Putin dreamed of a parade on Khreshchatyk, well – here it is,” he remarked.
Residents openly expressed their sorrow over six months of war that has killed hundreds, displaced millions, and destroyed entire cities as they spoke of national resilience and resistance.
With large portions of Ukraine under occupation and an impending winter that many fear may be the worst since 1991 due to natural gas and coal shortages, everything from electrical supply to home heating is in jeopardy.
On Monday, a guy by the name of Oleksandr was among the revellers in downtown Kyiv. As he reflected on the last six months of destruction, he broke down in tears and said in a shaky voice that he was unable to continue.
“Probably no one has done as much to unite Ukraine as Putin, ” said another resident,” Yevhen Palamarchuk, 38. “We always had some internal tensions in the country but since 2014, and especially since February, we are united more than ever.”
He said that after deploying sophisticated Western-provided weapons to harass and attack Russian supply lines, he and his pals were excitedly anticipating seeing Ukraine retake land in the south in a much-heralded counteroffensive.
“People are weary with the war, but they are optimistic. It helps that we are getting weapons from the West … Everyone is waiting for the first major success of our military,” said Palamarchuk.
