Every year on January 22^nd, Ukrainians around the world are celebrating the Day of Unification and Freedom Ukraine, paying tribute to the memory of years of struggle for freedom of the Ukrainian people and unite their lands into one state.

In January 1918 it was established the Ukrainian National Republic (UNR), and in October 1918, in the former Austro-Hungarian Empire - Western Ukrainian National Republic (ZUNR). In December 1918 in Fastov, the leaders of the UPR and ZUNR signed an pre-agreement of intent to unite the population and territory of both entities into one state.

On January 22, 1919 the Treaty, named the „Act of Unification” , was officially announced on the St.Sophia Square in Kyiv. The unification of the UPR and ZUNR in 1919 proved to some extent declaratory and soon developed Ukraine has been again separated.

Nevertheless, this association has become as a model of civilized democratic gathering areas in a single sovereign state, which was based on the historical consciousness of the community, the ideals of freedom and independence, voluntary will, relying on their own political and material resources.

Civil action in 1919 has left a deep mark on the historical memory of the Ukrainian people, the evidence of which was the first official celebration of Unification in January 1939 in the Carpathian Ukraine. In January 1990, on the day of the 71^st anniversary of the Union of  UPR and ZUNR about three million of Ukrainians, joined their hands, created the „live chain” between Kyiv and Lviv.

Today, celebrating at the national level the Day of Unification and Freedom, Ukrainian people demonstrates a commitment to unity in the struggle for unification, freedom and independence of their country.

 

 

Embassy of Ukraine

to the Hellenic Republic