Government approves plan to mark 29th anniversary of Ukraine's independence

The program of the celebrations envisages the raising of the state flag in Kyiv and other cities, at foreign diplomatic missions and military units. It is also planned to hold ceremonial events, flower-laying ceremonies, art and media events, exhibitions and other events aimed at informing the general public about important events and personalities of Ukrainian history. State awards are also to be awarded.

Ministries and agencies were tasked with ensuring public safety and order during the celebrations, as well as taking anti-epidemic measures, given the requirements of the legislation to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease COVID-19.

The implementation of the plan will be financed from state and local budgets, as well as from other sources of financing not prohibited by law.

First Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Policy Rostyslav Karandieiev said at a government meeting on August 19 that Mykhailivska and Sofiiska Squares in Kyiv would be the center of this year's Independence Day celebrations.

"This year's celebration of the anniversary of Ukraine's independence has a somewhat unusual format. In particular, Kyiv plans to move away from traditional celebrations on Khreshchatyk and Independence Square, giving them a more spiritual component. That is why the centers of events in Kyiv will be Mykhailivska and Sofiiska Squares," he said.

On August 12, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed decree No. 318/2020 "On the Celebration of the 29th Anniversary of Ukraine's Independence," instructing the Cabinet of Ministers to draw up and implement an action plan to mark Ukraine's Independence Day, given the requirements for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

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