Unity Day

From 2022, the Day of Unity will be celebrated annually in Ukraine. The Office of the President announced the introduction of the new holiday on February 14.

What is known about the Day of Unity

The Day of Unity is a new holiday introduced at the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In another video address, Zelenskyy announced that February 16 – the day that, according to rumours, could have become the day of Russia's attack – will from now on be the Day of Unity of all Ukrainians.

The holiday will be celebrated at the national level. The decree on the celebration states that the Unity holiday is intended to strengthen the resilience of society in the conditions of an information and entirely real war. The Day of Unity will be celebrated annually on February 16.

Zelenskyy called for raising the state flag of Ukraine on buildings and residential houses in all corners of the country and for holding image-building events at foreign diplomatic missions – embassies and consulates.

Also, the state anthem of Ukraine will be performed at 10 a.m.

Day of Unity 2022 – what has been prepared for the military

According to the president's resolution, from March 1, soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive a pay rise – their pay will increase by 30%. Zelenskyy said that government officials have until February 15 to allocate the funds.

Telethon and a “blue and yellow” flash mob for the Day of Unity

This year, the national telethon UArazom took place. It was run twice:

• From 8 to 10 a.m.

• From 7 to 10 p.m.

Ministers from various fields and politicians joined the telethon on the Day of Unity. Among those present were:

• Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk;

• Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov;

• Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba;

• Minister of Health Viktor Liashko and others.

In addition, on the morning of February 16, Volodymyr and Olena Zelenska announced the patriotic online flash mob #UArazom – Ukraine's top officials called on citizens to:

• Share photos or videos with the flag of Ukraine on social networks;

• Add the hashtag #UArazom;

• Pass the challenge on to their friends, loved ones and relatives.

The flash mob was picked up by thousands of Ukrainians – stars, politicians and diplomats, bloggers and ordinary people.

Flags flew not only on social networks – giant blue and yellow banners were unfurled in many cities of Ukraine. The largest flag was unfurled at the “Olimpiiskyi” National Sports Complex in Kyiv – the 200-metre banner was held by more than 300 people.

Find out about new ceremonies and celebrations together with 24 Channel!