January 22 marks the Unity Day of Ukraine. On this day in 1918, the Ukrainian Central Council proclaimed the independence of the Ukrainian People’s Republic (UPR) through its Fourth Universal. Exactly one year later, on January 22, 1919, the ceremonial unification of the UPR and the West Ukrainian People’s Republic (WUPR) into a single sovereign state took place in St. Sophia Square in Kyiv. This event embodied the Ukrainian people’s centuries-long aspirations for independence, unity, and self-determination.

The day before Unity Day, January 21, commemorates the anniversary of the “Human Chain,” which occurred in 1990. This was one of the largest displays of civic solidarity in Ukrainian history, where millions of Ukrainians joined hands to form a human chain stretching from Lviv to Kyiv, symbolizing the unity and indivisibility of Ukrainian lands. This event became a powerful symbol of the drive for independence and unity, serving as a significant catalyst for Ukraine’s future declaration of sovereignty and independence. The “Human Chain” outlined the “contours” of the future independent Ukraine—united and free, from Chernihiv to Sevastopol, from Uzhhorod to Luhansk.

The idea of the “Human Chain” as a symbol of unity resonated deeply in Crimea. Before the peninsula was occupied by Russia, the youth and active citizens of Simferopol, Sevastopol, Yalta, and other Crimean cities regularly participated in such events, emphasizing that Crimea is an integral part of Ukraine. One particularly memorable event took place on January 22, 2011, in Yalta, where nearly a thousand residents formed a “human chain” along the city’s promenade.

The last such event in Yalta occurred on January 22, 2014. However, peaceful protests continued in other Crimean cities even after the onset of Russian occupation. On March 14, 2014, activists organized a large-scale “human chain” at the entrance to Simferopol, protesting Russian aggression and the occupation of Crimea. Participants, holding Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar flags along with signs saying “No to War,” “We Stand for Peace,” and “Crimea Is Ukraine,” lined the road, demonstrating unity and resistance against the occupation regime.

Crimean residents who relocated to free territories of Ukraine after the occupation continued to participate in “human chains” in Kyiv and other cities. By January 22, 2021, a virtual “Unity Chain” between Kyiv and Simferopol was organized, bringing together over 37,000 participants from across Ukraine and the world. Through online platforms, people joined in by sharing photos with Ukrainian and Crimean flags, as well as messages in support of unity and de-occupation.

Today, Ukrainian citizens continue their resistance against Russian occupation both on the frontlines and in occupied territories, defending their values and striving to live in a free and independent Ukraine.

We deeply believe that the day will soon come when we can once again freely walk with national flags of Ukraine through the streets of temporarily occupied cities—through the streets of our native cities. Together, hand in hand, we will form a “human chain” of unity—a symbol of our cohesion, resilience, and shared dream of life in a free, independent, democratic state.

Happy Unity Day, Ukraine!