Ukraine’s Independence Day is annually celebrated on August 24 to mark the anniversary of the country’s declaration of independence in 1991, after a failed coup in Moscow. About 90 % of Ukrainians voted for their country’s independence following this declaration, on December 1, 1991. August 29, Ukrainians honour the soldiers who died in the Russian-Ukrainian war for Ukraine’s integrity and sovereignty. According to preliminary estimates, 366 Ukrainian servicemen were killed, more than 450 were wounded, 300 were taken captive and 84 soldiers are still considered missing after the Ilovaisk tragedy in August 2014. "In August 2014, around Ilovaisk and in the town, according to preliminary estimates, 366 Ukrainian servicemen were killed, more than 450 were wounded, 300 were taken captive and 84 soldiers are still considered missing," Ukraine’s Deputy Interior Minister Vadym Troyan said, the Ministry’s press service reports. Eleven Interior Ministry officers are still missing, he noted. These August days of 2014 witnessed the climax of the Ilovaisk tragedy, when the Ukrainian armed units were surrounded as a result of the confrontation with the Russian troops.
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