In the shadow of the Russian war of aggression that has been going on for six months, Ukraine is celebrating its national holiday on Wednesday.

Independence Day is an important date for Ukrainians - "and therefore unfortunately also for our enemy," said President Volodymyr Zelenskyj.

There was nervousness in Kyiv because of fears of Russian rocket attacks on large cities.

Selenskyj called on the population to stick to the curfews and to get to safety in the event of an air alarm.

"Remember, we should all experience victory together," he said.

The war-torn country receives further arms aid from abroad.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) announced a German armaments package with anti-aircraft systems, rocket launchers, ammunition and anti-drone devices.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged Ukraine's supporters to provide more military aid.

"The NATO allies should urgently do more so that Ukraine can survive as a sovereign independent nation," Stoltenberg told Die Welt newspaper.

31 years ago, on August 24, 1991, the then Soviet Republic of Ukraine declared its independence after the failed coup by conservative forces against Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev.

Six months ago, his successor in the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin, ordered an attack on the neighboring country in order to bring it back under Russian control.

Large parts of Ukraine have been devastated since February 24, with Russian troops occupying around a fifth of the country.

Although Ukraine held out at great cost, there is no end in sight to the war.

Zelenskyy: We give Russia "in the face"

Selenskyj described the defensive struggle against Russian aggression in martial terms.

With the annexation of Crimea in 2014, the Russians decided to occupy his country, he told journalists at the conclusion of the so-called Crimea Platform.

"When they made that decision in 2014, the world didn't just punch them in the face, and so they went on and on and on.

But we'll kick them in the face.” With its attacks and acts of violence, Russia is showing that it doesn't want to negotiate.

Later in his evening video address on Tuesday, Zelenskyy thanked for the international support Ukraine is receiving at the forum to repatriate Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014.

Germany, Poland, Turkey, Japan and other countries pledged help to Kyiv.

"Crimea is an indispensable part of our state," said Zelenskyy.

Ukraine will liberate the Black Sea peninsula and give its compatriots the freedom they deserve.

Beware of Russian attacks on the holiday

Ukrainian concerns about increased Russian attacks on the symbolically important holiday were shared internationally.

The United States warned Russia against attacks against civilian targets.

"In conclusion, I would like to remind my Russian colleagues that as Ukraine's Independence Day approaches, the world is watching," US Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Richard Mills told the Security Council.

"It shouldn't need to be said, but please don't bomb schools, hospitals, orphanages or homes." The US would continue to prosecute any violations of international law.

The US government had previously asked its citizens to leave Ukraine immediately.