The route of the 16-day Bakhmut – Vilnius marathon “Raise the flag of Ukraine in NATO”, in which Ukrainian and Lithuanian runners are taking part, passes through Poland. 

The marathon takes place before the NATO Summit in Vilnius. Participants are running for Ukraine in NATO.

During the marathon, the Stiprūs Kartu runners are carrying the Ukrainian flag, which was handed over to them by soldiers from the front line, from Bakhmut. 

The Polish segment of the marathon route lasts for 6 days and goes through Świerże, Włodawa, Koczukówka, Grabarka Klaštoras, Narew, Bieniowce-Kolonia and Dusznica.

In Grabarka Klaštoras, the runners were welcomed by Polish Euromaidan-Warszawa activists, who greeted them with banners “Ukraine is welcomed in NATO”.

We are grateful to the Lithuanian runners for this initiative. We understand that every kilometre they run brings us closer to our common goal – Ukraine in NATO. This flag, which they carry across the territory of our three countries, is a symbol of unity and a common European future. Which is impossible without Ukraine in NATO

– said Euwomiadan Warsawa activist Victoria Pogrebniak.

Participants believe that Ukraine’s NATO Membership is the only security guarantee which can bring sustainable peace back to Europe and prevent future wars. They are convinced that inviting Ukraine to NATO at the summit in Vilnius will bring a number of advantages both for NATO and Ukraine.

After running through Poland, they will pass through Lithuania and finish at the final destination point in Vilnius.  On 11 July, this flag Ukrainian flag from Bakhmut will be raised during a concert in the Vilnius central square. We express admiration and gratitude to runners and activists!