Ukraine’s Independence Day in Stockholm: A United Community Supporting Ukraine

On 24 August, Ukraine marked 35 years of independence. For Ukrainians around the world, Independence Day is both a celebration of the country’s freedom and a reminder of the ongoing effort to defend it. This year, the HUG team joined the celebrations in Stockholm, alongside representatives of Ukrainian organisations and initiatives from across Sweden.

HUG team visited Unity Hub Stockholm - a space created to connect Ukrainian organisations and initiatives, strengthen cooperation and bring together resources and opportunities for the Ukrainian community in Sweden. There, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Sweden, Svitlana Zalishchuk, spoke about what independence means today, and the price still being paid to defend it.

The celebrations then continued with a march through Stockholm. Hundreds of people walked through the city under Ukrainian flags, before gathering at Sergels torg for a concert and speeches marking Ukraine’s Independence Day.

What stood out most for us was seeing so many Ukrainian organisations and initiatives come together. Different backgrounds, different areas of work, different experiences - but one shared purpose to support Ukraine.

We are proud to be part of this incredible community and grateful to everyone who came out to show their support. Thank you to Ukrainian Volunteer Hub - Stockholm, STFU Tacticats, Nordic Ukraine Forum, Kvartyrnyk UA-SE and PLAST - Ukrainska Scouter i Sverige for organising the event, together with the Embassy of Ukraine in Sweden and with the support of ICMPD / Unity Hub Stockholm.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Stockholm and continues to stand with Ukraine.