Ukraine's Independence Day marked in Skopje six months after Russian invasion
Skopje, 24 August 2022 (MIA) - The Ukrainian anthem was played at the same time in 50 countries around the world, including North Macedonia, to mark Ukraine's Independence Day (August 24). A world record was set by joining hands, forming a human chain and singing the Ukrainian anthem as part of the Free World Gathering global initiative.
The Ukrainian embassy to North Macedonia and the Lesya Ukrainka Association of Ukrainians in the country organized the event on Macedonia square in Skopje.
The ambassadors of Germany, the United States, the Netherlands and Sweden attended the event as a way to show support to Ukraine on its Independence Day.
Ruman Buga, first secretary at the Ukrainian embassy, said the war in Ukraine has changed everything for his country but also for Europe and the rest of the world.
"We thank all those who demonstrated their strength in these times and all those who have fought and are fighting for Ukraine and have helped our soldiers. Thanks also to all our friends around the world for their assistance and support for Ukraine," he stated.
Oleksander Urbanovic of the Lesya Ukrainka Association thanked North Macedonia for the help calling it "a small country with a lion heart."
"You've given even more than you could, we will never forget that. August 24 for the Ukrainians is the most important holiday because independence is exactly what Ukraine is fighting for today," he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a video message released to mark Independence Day said his country will fight Russia "until the end", reported dpa. "For us, Ukraine is the whole of Ukraine," Zelensky said, adding that this included the Donbass region in the country's east, the Crimean peninsula and all regions under Russian occupation.
Russia invaded Ukraine six months ago on February 24 with the aim of bringing eastern areas on the border back under Russian control.
On August 24, 1991, the then Soviet Republic of Ukraine declared its independence after a failed coup by conservative forces against Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
Oleksander Urbanovic of the Lesya Ukrainka Association thanked North Macedonia for the help calling it "a small country with a lion heart."
"You've given even more than you could, we will never forget that. August 24 for the Ukrainians is the most important holiday because independence is exactly what Ukraine is fighting for today," he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a video message released to mark Independence Day said his country will fight Russia "until the end", reported dpa. "For us, Ukraine is the whole of Ukraine," Zelensky said, adding that this included the Donbass region in the country's east, the Crimean peninsula and all regions under Russian occupation.
Russia invaded Ukraine six months ago on February 24 with the aim of bringing eastern areas on the border back under Russian control.
On August 24, 1991, the then Soviet Republic of Ukraine declared its independence after a failed coup by conservative forces against Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
