Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy decreed February 16 as an official Day of Unity, saying that some had speculated it would be the day a Russian invasion of the country would be launched. Ukrainians celebrated the day at events across the country, displaying national flags and creating human chains to demonstrate their solidarity. Russia has massed an estimated 130,000 troops on Ukraine's borders, but the Kremlin has denied it has any plan to attack Ukraine.
Ukrainians Display Patriotism On First Day Of Unity Amid Uncertainty About Russian Invasion
- By RFE/RL
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People carry a large Ukrainian national flag, marking the Day of Unity in Sievierodonetsk in the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine
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Two women celebrate in Kramatorsk.
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A Ukrainian national flag waves over the center of Kharkiv.
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A Day of Unity event at the Olympic National Sports Complex in Kyiv.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy listens to the Ukrainian national anthem as he takes part in an event for the Day of the Unity outside Kyiv, prior to his trip to the Rivne and Donetsk regions. Zelenskiy encouraged Ukrainians to “hang our national flags, put on blue and yellow ribbons, and show our unity to the whole world."
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Independence Square in Kyiv.
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In Kyiv, a police officer wears a ribbon with the colors of the national flag.
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Buildings in Kyiv decorated for the Day of Unity.
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Ukrainian Army soldiers in Odesa.
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A Day of Unity celebration in Odesa.
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People form a human chain in Uzhhorod to demonstrate their solidarity.
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