A solemn ceremony marking Crimean Tatar Flag Day took place on Mykhailivska Square in Kyiv. The event was attended by high-ranking officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps of Canada, the Republic of Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, other countries, and the EU Delegation to Ukraine, as well as members of the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar communities, journalists, and activists.

As part of the ceremonial observance of Crimean Tatar Flag Day, participants unfolded the national flag of the Indigenous Crimean Tatar people. During the ceremony, the National Anthem of Ukraine and the Crimean Tatar national anthem Ant Etkenmen were performed by the Choir of the Honored Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Speeches were delivered by the Permanent Representative, Olha Kuryshko, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Maryana Betsa, Acting Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, Halyna Hryhorenko, and Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, Refat Chubarov. The event was moderated by Head of the Information Department Yevhen Bondarenko.

In her speech, Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and to members of the Crimean Tatar community who are currently defending Ukraine’s independence and fighting for the freedom of the Crimean Peninsula. She emphasized the symbolic importance of the Crimean Tatar flag and its connection to Ukraine.

“The Crimean Tatar flag stands for freedom, dignity, and the right to one’s home. Its colors resemble those of the Ukrainian national flag — and that is profoundly meaningful. It reflects the unity of our peoples and our shared aspiration: to liberate our land, protect our citizens, and build a strong, sovereign Ukraine,” Olha Kuryshko stated.

The Permanent Representative emphasized that the Mission continues to work actively to support the Indigenous Crimean Tatar people and expressed gratitude to international partners for their firm and consistent stance on Crimea’s Ukrainian status and their recognition of the Crimean Tatars’ inalienable right to live freely on their historical homeland.

Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, Refat Chubarov, in his speech, highlighted the historical continuity of the Crimean Tatar national flag, recalling the events of June 26, 1991 — the convening of the second Qurultai of the Crimean Tatar People after a 73-year hiatus. He emphasized that the flag stands as a symbol of resistance to Russian occupation and of the unity between the Crimean Tatars and the Ukrainian state.

“Today, thanks to the Crimean Tatars’ resistance to the Russian occupation, the Crimean Tatar flag symbolizes — in Ukrainian society and now around the world — the inseparability of the Crimean Tatars from Crimea, and of Crimea from Ukraine. This flag must fly across all parts of Crimea alongside the state flag of Ukraine, as a symbol of the Crimean Tatar people’s right to self-determination on their ancestral land within the Ukrainian state,” emphasized Refat Chubarov.

Acting Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, Halyna Hryhorenko, emphasized that the colors of the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar flags represent unity and resilience in the shared struggle for identity, both on the frontlines and in the cultural sphere.

“Representatives of the Crimean Tatar and Ukrainian peoples stand side by side in defending our state within the ranks of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Just as closely, they work together in the cultural, artistic, and informational arenas to protect Ukraine’s independence and resist the aggressor — one that, unfortunately, has deliberately targeted cultural heritage, traditions, and intangible legacy,” stated Halyna Hryhorenko.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Mariiana Betsa, emphasized the need for decisive action by the international community.

“International efforts can stop this war through increased political, legal, and sanctions pressure, and by ensuring Russia is held accountable. Yesterday, the President of Ukraine signed an agreement with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. This is an extremely important and symbolic step, especially on the Day of the Crimean Tatar Flag. It sends a clear message: accountability is inevitable. Every Russian perpetrator will be brought to justice for crimes of aggression, genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity,” stated Mariiana Betsa.

Deputy Foreign Minister Mariiana Betsa stressed that the International Crimea Platform must continue “until Crimea is de-occupied, every Ukrainian citizen returns home, and justice is restored.” She reminded the audience that, on a day devoted to the Crimean-Tatar flag, one must also recall the tragedy of the 1944 genocide. Mariiana Betsa thanked the Dutch House of Representatives for recognising that deportation as an act of genocide and urged other countries to follow suit and stand with Ukraine and the Crimean Tatar people.

The Mission extends its sincere gratitude to all those who took part in marking Crimean Tatar Flag Day. We thank the Office of the President of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy, the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience, the National Television and Radio Broadcasting Council of Ukraine, as well as colleagues from other ministries and state institutions for their cooperation and support in organizing and holding this important event.