From Warsaw to New York, Ukrainians will form human chains on Independence Day
Communities scattered by Russia’s invasion will revive a symbol from Ukraine’s independence movement to keep the country visible abroad.
On 24 August 2026, Ukrainians and their supporters will gather in cities across the globe to form human chains on Independence Day, marking a powerful symbol of unity. The initiative, announced by Ukraine's Mission to the European Union, stems from the trauma of Russia's invasion, which has displaced over 5.6 million Ukrainians seeking refuge abroad. The human chains aim to demonstrate the ongoing need for support from host countries, echoing the spirit of past independence movements.
In the Soviet era, Ukrainians formed human chains to express their desire for autonomy, most notably the 700-kilometer "Ukrainian Wave" in January 1990 that linked Lviv to Kyiv, a pivotal moment in the push for independence. The organizers of this year's effort are drawing on that legacy, with 55,600 participants registered and plans set for chains in key cities like Warsaw, London, Berlin, Rome, Toronto, and New York.
Participants will link hands on central streets and squares, using an interactive map to locate and join or initiate these chains. The action is strictly limited to countries outside Ukraine, with Ukraine's cultural and foreign ministries backing the cause. However, Ukrainians abroad will also use Independence Day to highlight wartime needs, organizing rallies in 11 cities across 10 nations to urge European governments to utilize frozen Russian central bank reserves to aid Ukraine.
The tradition of forming human chains began in 1990, when thousands joined hands across Ukraine, symbolizing a unified effort for sovereignty. These chains continue to represent the enduring spirit of Ukrainian solidarity, now transcending borders to express ongoing support for the nation's recovery and self-determination.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
