On Wednesday, Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day.

But it was not a quiet day in the country. Russian forces on that day launched a rocket attack on a Ukrainian train station, killing 25 people, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Wednesday also marked the six-month point in the war.

One can only imagine the emotions people in Ukraine were feeling on that day. Anger at what has happened to their country, pride that they have fought so hard for what they believe in, sorrow for so many lives that have been lost over the past six months. 

The past six months have seen a humanitarian tragedy taking place. So many people have died, many families have been separated, and many have been displaced.

As time goes on, the hope for a peaceful outcome continues to fade. It’s not just Ukrainian solders who have lost their lives fighting for their country, for their home. Ukrainian civilians have also died. Russian casualties are also mounting. Putin’s war on Ukraine must stop, and Russian forces must pull back. Russia’s aggression is leading to international issues. Ukraine cannot be blamed for defending itself. It must defend itself and it should not back down. If it does, will another country be next?

The tragic loss of life has been great, and international response to the invasion of Ukraine has been strong. One cannot expect other states to enter the armed conflict directly, as that would escalate the situation. But neither can the international community forget about what is going on in Ukraine, nor ignore it. The EU’s actions in the face of the invasion have been good so far. Work to move away from Russian Gas is also a wise move given Putin’s recent actions.

Western leaders have pledged unwavering support for Ukraine. 

“We will never recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea or any other Ukrainian territory,” the UK’s Boris Johnson said in a Tuesday video address. Brussels chose to dress up for the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day, the Associated Press reports. The Belgian city, which is home to the European Union’s institutions, decked itself out in the colours of the Ukrainian national flag. A giant Ukrainian flag was unfurled in the capital’s historic Grand Place. U.S. President Joe Biden, marking the day by announcing significant new military aid to Ukraine, noted that the anniversary was “bittersweet” for many Ukrainians, as they continue to suffer but take pride in withstanding Russia’s “relentless attacks,” the Associated Press added. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: “our hearts go out to those who pay for the Russian war terror with their lives day after day, who are maimed and wounded.”

We must not forget about the innocent people who are living through the war, we must not remain silent when such a brutal war is taking place in Europe.