Longford Ukrainians and supporters to mark independence day

Ukrainians in Longford are marking their country's independence day today. Thursday, August 24 marks the country's 32 anniversary since its split from the former Soviet Union.

Ukraine's Independence day will be marked locally by local Ukrainians forming a chain of solidarity at the Memorial Garden, Great Water St from 7.30pm. Later they will proceed to the steps of the cathedral for 8.45pm where their recently formed choir will perform by candlelight.

While no mass event will take place in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv due to the threat of Russian missile attacks, an event organised for Warsaw is expect to attract approximately 20,000 people to attend.

Another initiative, entitled Free World Gathering, organised by a broad community of Ukrainian activists and supported by Ukraine’s ministry of foreign affairs, will encourage participants in cities across the globe to form human chains, linking hands as a show of support for Ukraine on its independence day.

The declaration of independence by Ukraine's parliament from the Soviet Union on 24 August 1991 heralded the collapse of the Soviet bloc.