On August 23, we celebrate Ukraine’s National Flag Day—a holiday honoring our talisman, which leads our defenders into battle and embodies the centuries-long struggle for freedom and independence. Today, the blue-and-yellow flag is tested in battle, symbolizing freedom, democracy, and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people.
The blue-and-yellow color combination has a thousand-year history and is the very genetic code of our nation. The combination of blue and gold dates back to the Middle Ages, when a golden lion on a blue background adorned the coat of arms of the Galicia-Volhynia state. Later, these colors were widely used on the banners of the Zaporizhian Host and the regimental flags of the Cossack era. In the 20th century, the blue-and-yellow flag became the state symbol of the Ukrainian People’s Republic and, later, the main symbol of the underground resistance movement against the Soviet regime. Historical justice was finally restored following the momentous events of 1991. With the restoration of Ukraine’s independence, our flag returned to its rightful place, and on January 28, 1992, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine officially adopted the blue-and-yellow banner as the National Flag.
A symbolic emblem of the Donetsk region’s resilience today is the giant 16-by-24-meter flag in Kramatorsk’s “Yuvileiny” Park, erected to mark the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. Russian troops constantly and deliberately attack it with FPV drones. The damaged flag is promptly replaced each time, and in the summer of 2026, the city of Kyiv presented a new flag in exchange for the damaged one as a sign of support and gratitude.
Today, in these times of immense trials and the struggle for our future, the National Flag of Ukraine has taken on a special, sacred meaning. It is no longer merely an official symbol but has become a sacred talisman, forged in battle. The return of the blue-and-yellow flag to liberated cities and villages is the most eagerly awaited moment for every Ukrainian, a symbol of the return of peace, law, and security. Bullet-riddled, scorched by fire, yet proudly raised above the front lines—these flags, bearing the signatures of comrades-in-arms, are the most precious treasure of our soldiers on the front lines. And for soldiers released from captivity, the National Flag of Ukraine becomes the most precious gift, the first sign of their return to their homeland. At the same time, our national colors are known throughout the world today: they fly in the main squares of international capitals, having become a global symbol of the struggle for freedom, democracy, and human dignity.
On Ukraine’s National Flag Day, millions of Ukrainians wrap themselves in blue-and-yellow flags as they take to the streets of their cities at home and abroad, adorn their clothing with blue-and-yellow ribbons, and choose accessories in the colors of the flag. United by the colors of our national symbol, we once again feel like one big family, sharing common values and aspirations.
Raising the National Flag of Ukraine is an expression of deep respect for the many generations who fought for and restored our independence, as well as a sincere tribute to the modern-day heroes who are defending Ukrainian soil right now. May our flag always fly proudly over a free, peaceful, and flourishing Ukraine, inspiring new achievements and instilling faith in our victory.
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!