On 31 October 2025, a regional event entitled ‘Words Unite’ was held to mark Ukrainian Writing and Language Day as part of Ukrainian Language Week. It brought together everyone who values the Ukrainian language and understands its importance for preserving national identity. The event was attended by representatives of executive authorities, employees of cultural and educational institutions, as well as active participants who distinguished themselves in competitions and campaigns dedicated to the promotion of the Ukrainian language.
Deputy Head of the Regional State Administration Oleksandr Shevchenko addressed the gathering with a welcoming speech. He noted that Donetsk Oblast is confidently holding its linguistic line, implementing language programmes and cleansing the public space of symbols of Russian imperial policy. Oleksandr Shevchenko also highlighted the achievements of our young people in All-Ukrainian and international language competitions and Olympiads, despite the difficult military situation in the region. The preservation and development of the Ukrainian language, he said, is a key factor in national unity and stability, especially in the face of modern challenges.
The Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, Olena Ivanovska, and the representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Dmytro Mikhalov, also delivered welcoming speeches. They emphasised the need to support and develop the Ukrainian language in all spheres of life and expressed their gratitude to all those who are actively working in this direction.
Viktoria Tochena, Head of the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Regional State Administration, presented cultural initiatives that actively support the development of the language in Donetsk region.
The event also featured the presentation of an electronic collection of prose and poetry by participants in the regional competition ‘I am the future of Donetsk region 2025’, as well as the results of the regional campaign ‘Language Race’, in which 64 teams from 36 territorial communities of the region took part. These initiatives are important confirmation that the Ukrainian language is not only being preserved but is also actively developing in the face of modern challenges.
The event ‘Words Unite’ clearly demonstrated that, despite difficult times, Donetsk Oblast continues to actively support the development of the Ukrainian language, and cultural initiatives, competitions and campaigns are becoming important tools for its popularisation. The Ukrainian language is the foundation of national unity. Therefore, it is important that each of us continues to work to ensure that the Ukrainian word is heard in every corner of our native Donetsk region, becoming a symbol of national resilience and dignity.