Ukrainian flag raised in Brussels to mark country's National Flag Day

In a symbolic gesture of support, the Ukrainian flag was raised in front of the European Commission headquarters in Brussels on the occasion of Ukraine's National Flag Day.

The European Commission shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the significance of the day.

“Courage. Resilience. Freedom. Ukraine’s flag carries them all. On Ukraine’s Flag Day, it proudly stands before our Brussels headquarters. A sign that Europe is united on Ukraine's side for a just and lasting peace. Today and every day. Ми з вами. We are with you,” the post read.

August 23 is celebrated annually in Ukraine as National Flag Day. The colours of the flag—gold and blue—have deep historical roots, appearing on the coat of arms of the Russian Kingdom in the 14th century and on the heraldry of various Russian lands, princes, nobility, and cities during the Middle Ages.

In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in National Flag Day celebrations alongside the country’s military and political leadership. Addressing the significance of the flag, Zelenskyy said, “This flag is a feeling of salvation for the people we are returning from Russian captivity. When they see the Ukrainian colours, they understand that evil has passed. And this banner is the goal and dream of many of our people in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. They cherish this flag. They keep it because they know that we will not give our land to the occupier.”

The President further stressed that the Ukrainian flag serves as a powerful symbol of strength and freedom for the country’s military personnel. “This flag symbolises what is most precious to hundreds of thousands of our soldiers, men and women from all over Ukraine,” he said.

The ceremony also included a moment of silence to honour the memory of all the heroes who sacrificed their lives for Ukraine.

By Tamilla Hasanova