On Saturday, August 23, Ukraine celebrates Flag Day.

This holiday was established to honor the long history of Ukrainian statehood and national symbols, according to a presidential decree from 2004. In 2009, the decree was amended to include an annual flag-raising ceremony on August 23 across the country.

The blue and yellow colors of the flag have deep historical roots, tracing back to the times of Kievan Rus. During the wave of European revolutions in 1848, the blue and yellow flag emerged as a symbol of the Ukrainian national movement.

The national flag was officially raised in Stryi on March 14, 1990, and later in Kyiv on July 24 of the same year.

On August 23, 1991, the blue and yellow flag was brought into the session hall of the Verkhovna Rada, and on September 4, it was ceremoniously raised over the parliament.

Since the onset of Russian aggression, this flag has become a symbol of resistance.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Ukrainians on Flag Day, emphasizing that Ukraine will not surrender its land.

He noted that the flag represents a symbol of struggle for many people currently in temporarily occupied territories.

Zelensky stressed that the flag symbolizes life for thousands of soldiers defending the country and for those returning from captivity.

“In every capital around the world, our symbol is respected where life is valued,” he added.

The President also thanked everyone fighting for Ukraine's independence.

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The blue and yellow flag is a testament to the dignity of the Ukrainian people, said the Minister of Defense.

“This flag is a talisman for our soldiers who defend Ukraine,” he stated.

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The flag of Ukraine has become an embodiment of the values the nation fights for, noted the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

He added that the flag represents freedom and hope and expressed gratitude to all who support Ukraine.