The 24 August is Ukrainian Independence Day. This celebrates the Ukraine escaping from control from Moscow. This year, Ukraine put on a military parade, reminiscent of the annual May Day Parade held in Moscow, during the Cold War.

Ukraine Independence Day Parade President Poroshenko
Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko and the supreme command staff sing the national anthem during a military parade, marking the 23rd anniversary of Ukraine's independence from Russia. Sergei Supinsky/AFP/Getty Images
Ukraine Independence Day Parade row soldiers
President Poroshenko decried Russian 'aggression' on Ukraine's Independence Day parade, while more forces battle pro-Moscow rebels in the east of the country. Sergei Supinsky/AFP/Getty Images
Ukraine Independence Day - APCs
Ukrainian forces stand on armoured personnel carriers (APCs), during a rehearsal ahead of the Ukraine's Independence Sergei Supinsky/AFP/Getty Images
Ukraine Independence Day Parade APCs 2
The Independence Day parade is similar to Soviet Russia's May Day parades, which were propaganda designed to show off the Soviet military forces. Sergei Supinsky/AFP/Getty Images
Ukraine Independence Day Parade goose steps
Ukrainian forces practice their 'goose step' march in the center of Kiev, during a rehearsal ahead of the Ukraine's Independence Day. Sergei Supinsky/AFP/Getty Images
Ukraine Independence Day Parade warm up splits
A Ukrainian soldier stretches his leg muscles out, preparing for the goose steps, before a rehearsal of the parade. Sergei Supinsky/AFP/Getty Images
Ukraine Independence Day Parade warm up
Soldiers help each other warm up their leg muscles before an Independence Day parade rehearsal. Sergei Supinsky/AFP/Getty Images
Ukraine Independence Day Parade warm up
President Poroshenko has promised to invest billions into the Ukraine's military. Sergei Supinsky/AFP/Getty Images
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