Vilnius holds 189th rally on Ukraine Independence Day

Vilnius hosted its 189th weekly rally supporting Ukraine on Monday as the country marked the 35th anniversary of its independence, LRT reports.

Participants gathered in Cathedral Square to express support for the Ukrainian people, the country’s victory and a just peace. The rallies have been held in the square every Monday.

Participants told LRT that Western societies may be growing tired of war news, but Ukrainians have not grown tired of burying their relatives and friends.

“People are tired, and you can feel it. Acquaintances and friends say they listen to news about sport and culture. That is why we need to remind them, because the war will not end as long as people remember and continue to support Ukraine. Supporting Ukraine is particularly important now,” said Dalia Makarova, chair of the Ukrainian community in Lithuania.

Ruslan Stefanchuk, chairman of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada, addressed those gathered in Vilnius by video link.

In Kaunas, celebrations marking Ukraine’s Independence Day began at midday. Among other events, a festive gathering and a concert by Ukrainian performers took place in the courtyard of the Vytautas Magnus War Museum.

Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada declared the country’s independence on August 24, 1991, after the coup in Moscow collapsed.