Today - August 24 - marks the day Ukraine's parliament vowed to separate from the Soviet Union.
But today also marks six months since Russia invaded.
Independence day celebrations in 2022 won't have the usual fanfare - instead, Ukrainians have been warned something ‘particularly cruel’ might occur.
Here’s our World News Editor Kate Gregan.
This time last year, Ukraine was celebrating 30 years of independence.
Instead of being holed up in trenches, thousands of soldiers proudly marched the streets of Kyiv.
Civilians lined the footpaths - not scared of an imminent attack - but enjoying the sunshine and celebrations.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stood on stage - proudly looking on, suited up and freshly shaven - a stark contrast to the man that is now leading a country at war.
"We should be aware that this week Russia may try to do something particularly nasty, something particularly cruel."
But this week, officials are warning civilians against gathering in major cities.
The government says Russia will do whatever it can to make the people of Ukraine miserable.
And while typical festivities will be forgotten this year, Ukraine’s military is putting on a kind of show…
Instead of marching troops and tanks rolling through the streets in a celebratory display, the military has lined the usual parade route with destroyed Russian equipment.
Exposed to the elements and covered in rust, Kremlin tanks have been etched in graffiti – some say "revenge for Mariupol" and ‘revenge for Bucha’.
President Zelensky says the military will also conduct private flag-raising ceremonies, and some of the capital's monuments will be illuminated in blue and yellow.
"We've got to stick together, to help one another, to rebuild what's been destroyed and to fight for all our people. We must cheer for those who represent Ukraine."
President Zelensky says they will hold another parade in the future - a victory parade – when there will be permanent peace in Ukraine.
