Three-and-a-half years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Zelenskiy is facing pressure from Washington to make concessions to Russia as US President Donald Trump seeks to broker a peace deal.
"We are all working to ensure that the end of this war would mean the guarantee of peace for Ukraine, so that neither war nor the threat of war are left for our children to inherit," Zelenskiy told a crowd of dignitaries in Kyiv's Sophia Square, against the backdrop of an 11th-century cathedral.
As well as Carney, on his first visit to Ukraine since taking office in March, Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, attended the ceremony. Zelenskiy presented Kellogg with a state honour.
"We need peace," Zelenskiy told Kellogg as he handed him the medal in a leather case.
Zelenskiy acknowledged the human cost of the war, but said that Ukrainians would fight to remain on their land.
Ukraine is now working with its European allies to draft potential frameworks for post-war security guarantees for Kyiv, which Trump has expressed openness to.
Ukrainians were marking 34 years since their country left the Soviet Union.
Norway's government said it would contribute approximately seven billion Norwegian crowns ($A1.07 billion) of air defence systems to Ukraine.
"Together with Germany, we are now ensuring that Ukraine receives powerful air defence systems," Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said in a statement.
"Germany and Norway are working very closely together to support Ukraine in its fight to defend the country and protect the civilian population against Russian air attacks."
Norway and Germany are funding two Patriot systems including missiles. In addition, Norway is contributing to the procurement of air defence radar from German manufacturer Hensoldt and air defence systems from Kongsberg.
King Charles sent a message of support to mark Independence Day, calling for a "just and lasting peace" to end the war.
"I keep feeling the greatest and deepest admiration for the unbreakable courage and spirit of the Ukrainian people," said the King's message, shared on social media by Zelenskiy.
"I remain hopeful that our countries will be able to further work closely together to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine."
Zelenskiy said the King's words were a "true inspiration for our people".
"We appreciate the United Kingdom's leadership in supporting Ukraine and our just cause: to defend freedom from tyranny and ensure a lasting peace in Ukraine and throughout Europe."
The UK's Ministry of Defence said the British military will continue to train Ukrainian soldiers until at least the end of 2026.
More than 50,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained on British soil, according to the government.
"We will continue to step up our support alongside allies, so that Ukraine can defend today and deter tomorrow," British Defence Secretary John Healey said.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also had messages of support.
"As the country marks Independence Day, we stand firmly by their side - today and in the future," Merz posted on X in German, English and Ukrainian.
Von der Leyen honoured Ukraine's fight for a "free, democratic and independent" country.
"We are with you, for as long as it takes. Because a free Ukraine means a free Europe," she wrote on X.
With PA with dpa
