Day of Dignity and Freedom in Ukraine: Memory and Struggle

November 21 marks a significant date in Ukraine - the Day of Dignity and Freedom.

This day was established by the Presidential decree on November 13, 2014, to honor the memory of two key events in Ukraine's history: the Orange Revolution of 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity of 2013.

The Day of Dignity and Freedom succeeded the Day of Freedom, which was celebrated from 2005 to 2011 on November 22 in honor of the Orange Revolution. In December 2011, the then-president abolished this holiday, merging it with the Day of Unity.

On November 21, 2013, mass protests began on Independence Square in Kyiv in response to the government's decision to suspend the course for Euro-integration, leading to thousands taking to the streets.

Unlike the events of the Orange Revolution, this struggle for dignity cost many lives: over a hundred people were killed, and more than two thousand were injured. In the spring of 2014, Russian aggression began, leading to the annexation of Crimea and fighting in the Donbas.

This year, Ukraine marks the Day of Dignity and Freedom under the conditions of full-scale war that has been ongoing since February 24, 2022, continuing the fight for its independence.

In Kyiv and other cities, a series of events will be held in honor of this day under the slogan "November 21... and every day, without weekends." The program includes exhibitions, forums, conferences, and film screenings.

In the capital, on November 21, an interfaith prayer for Ukraine and its fighters will take place, along with laying flowers at the Alley of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred and a memorial event.

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The General Staff of the Armed Forces noted that the Revolution of Dignity became a symbol of courage and self-sacrifice, forever changing the course of Ukraine's history.

In 2025, we will celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Orange Revolution, which significantly influenced national consciousness and the democratization of society.

On November 21, the Day of Dignity and Freedom, the Armed Forces honor the memory of those who fought for freedom and opposed Russian imperialism and totalitarianism, protecting their compatriots on all fronts.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine, defending independence, promote the ideals of democracy and honor the patriotism of those who stood up for democratic values.

The General Staff emphasizes that participants of the Revolution of Dignity played a crucial role in shaping the new Armed Forces, many of whom took up arms to defend Ukraine from the very beginning of the aggression.

We express our gratitude to all warriors who continue to protect our country from aggression, demonstrating their bravery and determination.