On Saturday, August 24, Ukrainians around the world celebrated the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. The main goal of the events was to support Ukraine’s independence and protest against the genocide that Russia is committing every day towards Ukraine. For Ukrainians it’s a day, when we honor the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for our country’s freedom and show our support for those who continue to fight on the frontlines.

Thousands of Ukrainians and local residents took to the streets to show their unity, solidarity and support for the country. From Australia to Canada, from the US to Bali, across Europe and South America, Ukrainians gathered to celebrate Ukraine’s independence at numerous events, rallies and festivals. 

For example, here are some ways in which this special day was celebrated in different countries:

Poland

In Warsaw, more than 40,000 Ukrainians united to celebrate Independence Day. The organisation was made by the initiative Euromaidan Warsaw and the Stand With Ukraine Foundation. A large Ukrainian flag was raised on Warsaw’s central square, Plac Zamkowy. During the event, the Stand with Ukraine Awards were presented to notable individuals who actively support Ukraine. Among the awardees were the wife of former Polish President Jolanta Kwaśniewska, Polish billionaire Jerzy Krzanowski (posthumously), famous writer Szczepan Twardoch, film director Elwira Niewiera and military journalist Monika Andruszewska.

At the event, the participants observed a minute of silence in memory of the heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine’s independence. The demonstrators shouted slogans in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, demanded the supply of weapons for Ukraine and support for its accession to NATO.

Our organisation, the International Centre for Ukrainian Victory, also took part in the event in Warsaw. We contributed to the celebrations by sharing a video message in the square, emphasising the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the importance of uniting in support of Ukraine’s struggle for independence. 

This year, the festive atmosphere in Warsaw was created by the Crimean Tatar singer Jamala, the Polish-Ukrainian band “DagaDana” and musicians “I33I”.

Stockholm

Stockholm also participated in the celebration of the Independence Day of Ukraine. Many organizations, including the Ukrainian initiative the Nordic Ukraine Forum, joined forces to organize the event. The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) prepared banners and slogans for events, exhibitions, campaigns and other initiatives to mark the occasion. A march under the slogan #IndependenceInMyHeart took place in the capital of Sweden, and later the participants took part in a concert and ceremony honoring the memory of those who died in the struggle for the freedom of Ukraine. Many volunteers and people gathered at Sergels torg square, holding Ukrainian symbols to express their support and congratulate Ukraine on this important day.

Germany

In Berlin, during a rally in support of Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, participants held banners with patriotic messages. The national anthem of Ukraine, the Crimean Tatar anthem, and Ukrainian music were played by DJs. Near the Brandenburg Gate, volunteers were weaving camouflage nets for the Ukrainian military. Famous fans of Ukraine took part in the demonstration that took place nearby. Among them was German designer Frank Wilde, who once again expressed his support for Ukraine and made a speech in favor of it.

33 years of independence, and this is the third Independence Day that we celebrate since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 3 days, as they said, they will conquer Ukraine, and we are still standing and we will stand, and Ukraine must win and win.

Frank Wilde, German designer

France

On August 24th, rallies and events in support of Ukraine took place in Paris and many other French cities. Ukrainians organised events in 22 cities, and a huge 260-meter Ukrainian flag was carried through the streets of Paris. In Nice, people wore traditional Ukrainian clothing vyshyvanka, in honor of the day.

Baltic countries

The Baltic countries have congratulated Ukraine on its Independence Day. In Estonia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a ceremony to raise the National Flag of Ukraine on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of Independence. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Margus Tähkna and Ambassador of Ukraine Maksym Kononenko.

In Latvia, the celebration began in Riga with a prayer for Ukraine, its defenders, victory and a just peace. The main part of the events took place in the Verman’s Garden, where a concert lasted for many hours. The anthems of Ukraine and Latvia were performed, and 30-meter flags of both countries were unfurled. The concert was attended by Latvian and Ukrainian artists, including Andrejs Osokins, Aja Vitolina, Katrina Gupalo and Victoria Prytulyak.

Warm congratulations to President Zelenskyy and all Ukrainians celebrating Independence Day! Latvia has supported and will support Ukraine in the fight for freedom and against Russian aggression.

Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of Latvia

In Lithuania, celebrations took place in various cities, including Vilnius and Kaunas, uniting Ukrainians and Lithuanians in a joint commemoration of Ukrainian independence. The evening of 24 August continued with the 110th rally in support of Ukraine at Vilnius Cathedral Square. The exhibition “Bakhmut. Faces of Genocide 1942 | 2022” was opened in the IX Fort Museum.

Ukrainians know the price of freedom and independence better than anyone. The bravery of Ukrainians who defend their country is admired by the whole world. Now Ukraine is a bastion of free democratic Europe. In Lithuania, we have no doubt that Ukraine will win, become a member of the EU and NATO, become stronger and prosper. Lithuania will continue to be your strongest supporter!

Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania

Romania

On the celebration of the Independence Day, the Embassy of Ukraine in Romania organised a solemn event in support of Ukraine. State Secretary for Strategic Affairs at the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Anna Tinca, as well as the ambassadors of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France and Japan, the representative of the European Commission in Romania, representatives of the Union of Ukrainians in Romania and the Association of Ukrainian Teachers in Romania expressed their support. 

An installation “The Price of Freedom and Independence” was placed near the Embassy building, reminding of the horrors and suffering caused by Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine. An exhibition about the consequences of the crimes committed by the Russian in Ukraine was also organised on the fence of the Embassy. The event concluded with the solemn unfurling of the State Flag of Ukraine and the weaving of camouflage nets for the Ukrainian military.

USA

In the United States, the Embassy’s team started the celebration of Ukraine’s Independence Day with a traditional “Vyshyvanka run”, organised by United Help Ukraine. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his congratulations and support.

Today, as the people of Ukraine mark their Independence Day, let it be clear: When Russia’s senseless war began, Ukraine was a free country. Today, it is still a free country. And the war will end with Ukraine remaining a free, sovereign, and independent country.

Joe Biden, President of the US

Hungary

In Budapest, the flag of Ukraine was unfurled on the main square and the festivities ended with the illumination of the “Széchenyi Chain Bridge” in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

We would like to express our deep gratitude to our partners, such as the Ukrainian World Congress” and the Communities Army of Ukraine”, who actively participated in the organisation of the events and contributed to the celebration of this important day.

The support of the international community is incredibly important to us. Thank you for standing by us in our desire for Ukraine’s victory.