On 3 February, the Permanent Representative participated in a Coordination Council meeting on the Promotion of Ukrainian National and Civic Identity. The event, dedicated to the Day of Resistance to the Occupation of Crimea on 26 February, took place at the National Reserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra”.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Matvii Bidnyi, his Deputy and Secretary of the Coordination Council, Ulyana Tokarieva, Director General of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine Olena Zemliana, Director of the School Education Directorate of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine Inna Kilderova, and Director of the Department of Strategic Communications and Promotion of Ukrainian Culture Hanna Krasnotup.

Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Matvii Bidnyi emphasized that Ukraine faces a number of challenges, including the systematic militarisation and ideologically driven “education” of children and youth in the temporarily occupied territories, particularly in Crimea.

In her remarks, Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko recalled that 26 February is not merely a date but a symbolic day when thousands of Crimean residents stood up against the peninsula’s occupation. She also stressed the role of education in preserving the memory of Crimea, noting that a new generation of children has grown up during the years of occupation and requires sustained and systematic engagement.

“Commemorating the Day of Resistance to the Occupation of Crimea is of key importance for shaping Ukrainian national and civic identity, as it reinforces the understanding of Ukraine as a community united not only by territory, but above all by shared values.”

Olha Kuryshko also highlighted the information campaign “12 Years of War, 12 Years of Resistance”, which the Representation is preparing this year. The campaign aims to support residents of Crimea who continue to resist and to draw attention to the struggle for the de-occupation of all temporarily occupied territories.

Following the meeting, recommendations for ministries and other relevant state institutions on activities to mark the Day of Resistance to the Occupation of Crimea will be approved.

It is worth recalling that the Coordination Council on the Promotion of Ukrainian National and Civic Identity was established in April 2023 by a Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine resolution. The Council coordinates interagency policy to strengthen national unity, security, and sustainable development by fostering Ukrainian identity.