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Ukraine’s Independence Day was celebrated 3 days early in Kyiv this year. On Saturday, Ukrainian authorities held a Zombie Parade. Instead of people dressed as zombies, this parade featured “dead” Russian military equipment. And Ukrainians celebrated Putin’s losses against their country.

On Khreshchatyk boulevard, which is Kyiv's main street the people celebrated. Two long lines of captured Russian tanks and armored equipment were on display. Some of the vehicles were burned out and inoperable. 

Ukrainian officials created the show to mock their Russians enemies. And the “zombie” tanks were intended as a message to Putin. Ukraine wanted the world to know that they were not defeated. And they remain defiant of the Putin regime which believed it could capture Kyiv quickly.

In the past massive zombie parades have been held in Kyiv during Halloween week. And huge celebrations are held annually on Independence Day.

Zombie parade with zombie tanks 

On Saturday, August 21st, thousands of Ukrainian families enjoyed a day of celebration. There was dancing in the street. The citizens of Kyiv got a good look at the captured Russian war machines. Children climbed on the tanks and people snapped selfies with burned-out vehicles.

Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov tweeted out, "The aggressors dreamt of capturing Kyiv in 3 days. The occupiers intended to hold a parade in our capital." They were brought into the city as "scrap metal," he wrote.

The Zombie parade was "a reminder to all dictators how their plans may be ruined by a free and courageous nation." 

Large gatherings banned on Independence Day

Due to the intelligence warning of a Russian attack the celebration was held prior to Ukraine’s Independence Day. And large celebrations were banned for the remainder of the week.

Ukraine's Independence Day commemorates 31 years of freedom from Soviet rule. And it also marks six months since the Russian invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned citizens that Russia was planning a major attack to coincide with Wednesday celebrations.

After the Saturday celebrations Zelenskyy said, "We must all be aware that this week Russia could try to do something particularly ugly, something particularly vicious." And he asked people to stay alert and be safe. 

A Russian rocket attack took place on Independence Day. 25-people were killed at a train station in Central Ukraine.