Ukrainian Independence Day: Five events in London to mark celebration

As Ukraine marks 31 years of independence, the country is reflecting on six months since Putin’s invasion.

5,587 Ukrainian civilians have been killed since the war started on February 24, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

While at least 12 million refugees have fled their homes since the fighting began.

While many celebrations have been cancelled in Ukraine due to the invasion, the Ukrainian community in London have come together to mark the occasion with a series of events.

Ukrainian Independence Rally

10 Downing Street, London, SW1A 2AA Wednesday August 24 (5pm to 8pm)

A rally will be held outside Downing Street to both celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day and protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The event will include a ceremonial opening, guest speeches, singing and chanting.

Screening of Golos: Ukrainian Voices

Finborough Theatre, 118 Finborough Rd, SW10 9ED Wednesday August 24 (5pm)

Free for ticket holders for Two Ukrainian Plays the same night (tickets for Two Ukrainian Plays – £23.00)

Golos: Ukrainian Voice is an award winning documentary about Ukraine today.

It focuses on people’s response to the war across age, place and economic background.

Golos aims to take us outside the polarised rhetoric on either side of the Ukrainian conflict and gives voice to those stuck in the middle; at once a history lesson and a taking-of-the-temperature of a people thrust into an unwanted war.

Discover Ukraine: Bits Destroyed

Lower Grand Square, Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9NN August 26 to 29 (8.30pm, 9.00pm, 9.30pm & 10.00pm) Free

Ukrainian mosaics that were destroyed in the country’s war against Russia have been recreated at an exhibition, to provide a memory of its rich cultural heritage.

The audio-visual instalment called Discover Ukraine: Bits Destroyed, from the British Council and the Ukrainian Institute,showcases 56 monumental mosaics created by Ukrainian artists between the 1960s and 1980s.

The exhibition is part of the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival and is free to attend from August 26 to 29.

Ukrainian Independence Day Picnic

Regents Park Children’s Playground Saturday August 27 (1pm) Free

A Ukrainian Independence Day picnic has been organised to celebrate Ukrainian culture and its people.

Families are welcome to bring food and drinks to the children’s playground at Regents Park on Saturday from 1pm.

Ukrainian Independence Day Charity Fair

Adjacent to the Civic Centre, TW1 3BZ Saturday August 27 (1pm to 7pm)

Celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day by indulging in delicious Ukrainian foods, enjoying live dance and music as well as shopping for Ukrainian traditional crafts.

The event will feature performances from ‘Stefania’, a Ukrainian dance ensemble and saxophonist and flautist Alex Smirnov.

All proceeds from sales are dedicated to the Humanitarian Aid Centre and Refugee Support Group.