August 24th was supposed to be joyous occasion for Ukrainians — a celebration of 31 years of independence from the former Soviet Union.

But it’s been overshadowed by the six-month anniversary of Russia’s military operation. This year’s festivities were muted as Ukraine reels from a conflict that has killed thousands, displaced millions with parts of the country in ruins. Many cities remain under curfew as fighting continues in the eastern part of the country. We begin with a report from CGTN’s Stephanie Freid.

Joining the discussion:

• Marcus Papadopoulos is a historian, analyst and author specializing in Russia and the former Soviet Union.
• Pieter Cleppe is the editor-in-chief of Brussels Report.
• Anton Fedyashin is a Professor of History at American University.
• Pavlo Kukhta is the former Ukrainian Acting Minister of Economy.

THREAD 🧵

As Ukraine marks six months since Russia launched an invasion, Al Jazeera English correspondents @HodaAH, @AssedBaig, @TeresaBo and @AlanFisher reflect on what they’ve seen covering Moscow's war ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/vbDOLR1urL

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 24, 2022

Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day on Wednesday, on the six-month anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

At a muted ceremony in the capital, Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky placed flowers at a war memorial and took part in a multifaith service. https://t.co/ah7TmIqKK2 pic.twitter.com/I285mbWqgo

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) August 24, 2022