2009 Ukrainian Independence Day Parade

The parade took place at Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti) in honor of the 18th anniversary of the Independence of Ukraine. Commander of the parade was the commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, Colonel-General Ivan Svyda. The parade was inspected by the Chief of General Staff, Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Army General Sergey Kirichenko. Addressing the parade was the President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko. 3,400 troops marched into Khreshchatyk. 35 planes flew over Kiev, including combat helicopters. Musical accompiment provided by the Joint Military Bands of the Kiev Garrison.