On Ukraine’s Independence Day, August 24, Ukrainians and their supporters gathered in dozens of cities across Europe to remind the international community that Ukraine’s struggle is a fight for the future of the entire continent. The events were part of the global “Unity is…” initiative, organized by Strichka, a digital community for Ukrainians living abroad.
The event also highlighted a petition to the European Parliament calling for Ukraine’s immediate accession to the EU, underscoring that European integration is crucial to strengthening security across the continent. To support the initiative, the Strichka team created infographics and posters that visually illustrated the shared values, economic connections, and deep gratitude for the support provided by European countries.
In total, over 30 Ukrainian communities in more than 15 countries around the world joined the event.
The “Unity is…” campaign runs from August 19 to August 27, 2025.
How the campaign took place in different countries
In Ancona, the central square became the focal point for Independence Day celebrations, organized by NAU – Network Associazioni per Ucraine and Insieme Per Ucraine. The event opened with a minute of silence, followed by the playing of Ukraine’s national anthem. In a symbolic gesture, two young girls dressed as Ukraine and the EU distributed leaflets containing flower seeds, representing the idea that freedom and independence are values to be nurtured and protected. The celebration in Ancona sent a powerful message that Ukraine’s independence is a value shared by all of Europe—a seed that must continue to be cultivated.
More photos can be found on the Insieme Per Ucraine Facebook page.
In Exeter, England, Ukrainians marked Flag Day on August 23 with a march through the city center, carrying flags and posters and accompanied by music. The Devon Ukrainian Association, an NGO, organized the event.
Ukrainians in Estonia took part in the ceremonial raising of the Ukrainian flag outside the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an event organized by the Embassy of Ukraine. This marks the third consecutive year that Ukrainians have celebrated Independence Day in Estonia, a country offering steadfast and comprehensive support. Symbolically, Ukraine’s Independence Day coincides with Estonia’s Day of Restoration of Independence.
In Hamburg, an event on the Independence Day of Ukraine was organized by the NGO Vilni de UA and the Union of Ukrainian Veterans and Families in Germany. Ukrainian activists marched through the city streets, holding rallies and a concert in the central square of Hamburg.
Photos from the rally, photographers Olena Odoshevska and Harikrishna Narayana Swamy.
On August 24, 2025, the heart of the Czech city of Plzeň was filled with Ukrainian colors and music. On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence, a bright event was held here, which united hundreds of Ukrainians living in the Czech Republic, as well as their Czech friends and neighbors. The holiday’s program was rich: participants could enjoy a festive concert, performances by singers and poets, an exhibition of applied arts, and a mini-fair.
The event was organized by the association Společně v Evropě z.s., with support from the YouTube channel @vseprocz and the Klubu nových komunikací z.s. More than just a cultural celebration, the holiday served as a vibrant space for community gatherings, mutual support, and expressions of gratitude to the Czech Republic, which has become a second home for many Ukrainians.
On Flag Day, Ukrainians in Uppsala gathered in the square to show the unity of the Ukrainian and Swedish peoples. The organizers of the event, Stödföreningen Ukraina, emphasize:
“It doesn’t matter what nationality you are. The most important thing is that Ukraine is in our hearts, in the hearts of each of us. We are all under the blue and yellow colors.”
A video of the event is available on the Stödföreningen Ukraina page.
The global “Unity is…” campaign reached even the world’s most remote corners—Antarctica. Ukrainian polar explorers from the National Antarctic Science Center displayed Strichka posters at the Akademik Vernadsky station, highlighting that support for Ukraine is truly universal and knows no boundaries.
For reference:
Strichka is a coordination platform and digital community dedicated to uniting proactive, engaged Ukrainians living abroad committed to supporting and defending Ukraine’s interests. Launched in May 2024, the project now brings together nearly 10,000 active members from more than 70 countries and has initiated or partnered on a range of global actions organized by Ukrainians worldwide.
As reported, Türkiye has joined the global “Chain of Unity” campaign, held in various countries around the world to mark Ukraine’s Independence Day.
