The President of Ukraine delivered a speech on the occasion of the Day of Unity of Ukraine
This holiday is celebrated annually on the day of the proclamation in 1919 of the Act of Union of the Ukrainian People's Republic and the West Ukrainian People's Republic. Officially established in 1999, it acknowledges the significant political and historical importance of the unification of the UPR and the ZUNR in forming a united (sober) Ukrainian state. The Act of Union crowned the aspirations for unity of Ukrainians from both parts of Ukraine – the Dnipro region and the Dniester region – at least since the mid-19th century. It was a foundational event for Ukrainian state-building.
On January 22, 1919, in a solemn atmosphere at St. Sophia Square in Kyiv, the Act of Union (unification) of the Ukrainian People's Republic and the West Ukrainian People's Republic was proclaimed as one independent state. This day has become a symbol of Ukrainian state-building, embodying the aspirations of Ukrainians for consolidation within a single state.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his address on the Day of Unity of Ukraine, which he delivered today, January 22, at St. Sophia Square in Kyiv, emphasized the importance of unity among Ukrainians, as stated on the website of the Head of State.
“Millions of us – together. And together we managed to endure, to preserve Ukraine, to repel the occupier, to withstand this great onslaught together. In this word – ‘together’ – lies the strength of Ukrainians. This is about us, about what we are capable of when we choose not our own ambitions, but choose Ukraine. We choose its interests. When we choose not conflict, but defense. To protect our own. To defend our people. To protect with all our might. We remember these moments. There wasn't enough weaponry for all the volunteers, but there was certainly enough courage, compassion, faith in ourselves, faith in Ukraine. The strength of all of us was enough, all those who prove: the native land does not end at the boundary of one’s own yard. This is what unity is. This is the kind of unity that is necessary to fight for what is ours, our right to live in peace,” – noted Volodymyr Zelensky.
He emphasized that February 24 became a test for Ukrainian unity.
“Every year on this day (of Unity – ed.) we always recalled these lessons of unity, we formed living chains, we spoke about how important it is to preserve unity and stand shoulder to shoulder. But the day has come, and we had to prove it. February 24. A day that became a decisive moment. Such a challenge it was. Such a test of unity, of maturity, of faith in Ukraine. And we united. All Ukrainians united. Not declaratively, not on paper, not by some command, but by an inner call,” – said the President.
Speaking from St. Sophia Square, Volodymyr Zelensky assured that the Ukrainian state will endure, and our children, grandchildren, and generations to come will come to this square.
“Both on the Day of Unity and on all other holidays. Under the blue and yellow flag. In our state. And we will do everything to make it so. So that we are not ashamed before them, so that they know we did not repeat the mistakes of the past. And Ukraine exists. Ukraine is united. Peaceful. Integral,” – emphasized the Head of State.
Today, January 22, a series of events will take place in Kyiv to celebrate the holiday. In the main building of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II, the exhibition project “Altar of Freedom” will be opened. This large-scale artistic project, created by the Art Armor team, explores the theme of preserving Ukrainian national spirituality in the context of the struggle for freedom against Russian aggression.
The main idea of the exhibition is to reflect the unity and strength of a sovereign Ukraine through the reinterpretation of iconographic traditions. Creative works by renowned contemporary icon painters from 27 regions of Ukraine will be presented. The images themselves are created on armor plates from protective vests that have already saved the lives of Ukrainian defenders.
At the National Library of Ukraine for Children, there will be a presentation of the project by Victoria Saiko titled “My Ukraine” and the opening of an exhibition of works by laureates of the All-Ukrainian competition of children's illustrations for the poetry of Taras Shevchenko and Sandor Petofi titled “To the Homeland.”
Also, at 17:00, a ceremonial musical event titled “Art Unites Ukraine” will take place at the National Opera of Ukraine. This collaborative artistic project will bring representatives from all Ukrainian opera theaters onto one stage.