INTERNATIONAL LIVE LINK-UP “UNITED FOR INDEPENDENCE”: UKRAINE UNITES WITH THE WHOLE WORLD
On 24 August 2025, Independence Day of Ukraine, the National Congress of Ukrainian Associations in Italy (CNAUI) successfully organised and held a large-scale international live link-up, “TOGETHER TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE”, which ran for 12 hours non-stop.
The event was a unique example of the unity of Ukrainians around the world, of cooperation with Ukraine’s state administrations and of support for our country’s independence.
THE SCALE OF THE EVENT
The “TOGETHER TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE” link-up brought together 53 Ukrainian associations active both in Italy and in other countries around the world. Their presence was vivid proof of the cohesion of the Ukrainian diaspora and of its readiness to act, to support, to unite and to take part in international initiatives.
Around 150 speakers took part in all, confirming the event’s openness to broad participation, a high level of coordination and deep trust in the platform created by the National Congress. Each contribution became part of a great mosaic of voices speaking out together for the freedom, dignity and future of Ukraine.
WHERE THE PARTICIPANTS JOINED FROM
The event featured participants from the following countries:
– 🇮🇹 Italy
– 🇺🇦 Ukraine
– 🇫🇷 France
– 🇩🇪 Germany
– 🇪🇸 Spain
– 🇵🇱 Poland
– 🇳🇱 the Netherlands
– 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
– 🇺🇸 USA
– 🇨🇦 Canada
– 🇳🇿 New Zealand
STATE AND LOCAL ADMINISTRATIONS TAKING PART
42 state administrations of Ukraine took part in the link-up, supporting the Congress’s initiative and showing their openness to international cooperation and their readiness for twinning and for involvement in educational and cultural projects.
THE FIRST HOUR OF THE “TOGETHER TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE” LINK-UP: THE POWER OF WORDS, PRAYER AND ACTION
The link-up was opened by key figures who set the tone for the entire 12-hour marathon of unity, remembrance and support for Ukraine. It was the moment when words, prayer and action merged into a single wave of solidarity.
🔹 Lara Levchun, President of the National Congress of Ukrainian Associations in Italy (CNAUI), Rome
She opened the link-up by addressing participants from many countries around the world. Her words became a symbol of faith in the strength of the community, in the unity of Ukrainians abroad and in Ukraine’s victory.
🔹 THE NATIONAL ANTHEM OF UKRAINE, played in video format
The solemn performance of the anthem united all participants in a shared rhythm of national dignity and resilience.
🔹 Oksana Rohova, Vice-President of CNAUI, Bari
She called for a minute of silence in memory of the fallen heroes.
🔹 Oleksandr Zoria, veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war and founder of the Union of Ukrainian Veterans in Italy “Pobratymy”, Genoa
He called for unity and for support for the military. His words were sincere and powerful, filled with personal pain and with faith.
🔹 Father Vasyl Verbytskyi, Ferrara
He led a live prayer for Ukraine. His spiritual message was a source of inspiration, strength and blessing for everyone taking part in the link-up.
🔹 The STUR association: Italians defending INDEPENDENCE
Throughout the day STUR broadcast live every hour from Ukraine. The National Congress called for donations in support of the association.
STUR is made up of Italian volunteers and fighters who are currently in Ukraine. They actively help the Ukrainian military, provide humanitarian support, run an information campaign among Italians, and organise fundraising and deliveries of medicines and equipment. Their work is an example of international solidarity that delivers real results.
🔹 European Congress of Ukrainians: a live link with President Bohdan Raichynets
This contribution was an important sign of the unity of the global Ukrainian community.
TESTIMONIES AND VIDEOS ABOUT PRISONERS OF WAR: A VOICE OF TRUTH AND A REMINDER
During the link-up, live testimonies and video collections dedicated to Ukrainians held in captivity were presented. These were emotionally charged moments that deeply moved every participant, a reminder of the true price of freedom, of the pain of families waiting for their loved ones to come home, and of the power of memory.
Through its Department of Strategic Communications, the National Congress of Ukrainian Associations in Italy actively supports such initiatives. The Department runs information campaigns and organises live links, public appeals, videos and interviews that tell the stories of the prisoners, of their families and of the fight for their release.
These actions aim not only to inform but also to mobilise international support, shape public opinion and bring partners and donors on board. Through words, video, art and live links, the Congress speaks on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves, and it does so loudly, with dignity and with faith in justice.
This first hour of the link-up became the spiritual and patriotic foundation of the whole event. Every participant is a story of their own, a voice of their own, adding to a single symphony of support for Ukraine. And it is from voices like these that victory is born.
LIVEART “I PAINT UKRAINE”: ART FOR VICTORY
As part of the link-up, a unique art project, “A Bridge of Colours”, organised by the Union of Artists in Italy, took place. It was presented by Dariia Lazarenko. Every hour, artists began a new canvas of their own live on air. Once finished, all the works will be auctioned, and the proceeds will go to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Project participants:
– Dariia Lazarenko — Trapani
– Liudmylka Horbachyk — Cento
– Yana Kozlovska — Rome
– Anna Teslia — Rovereto
– Sofiia Mazurets — Cosenza
– Nataliia Derevianko — Rome
– Halyna Andrusyshyn — Florence
– Iryna Medvedovska — Sassinoro (Benevento)
– Giacomo Terracciano —
– Haliia Mykhalchenko — Aversa
At 20:30, all the participants in the “A Bridge of Colours” project came together for a presentation of the finished works.
The National Congress CNAUI sincerely thanks everyone who took part in the link-up. We continue to work on educational, cultural, diplomatic and humanitarian projects, and we are open to cooperation with all who share our values.
TOGETHER TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE. TOGETHER TOWARDS VICTORY. Glory to Ukraine!
24 August 2025 – Live link-up “With Gratitude for INDEPENDENCE”. Part one
https://youtu.be/FgFRJN_LiiA?si=KbmI3YohX_zQBMMH
24 August 2025 – Live link-up “With Gratitude for INDEPENDENCE”. Part two https://youtube.com/live/g7rIBPMWzxc
24 August 2025 – Live link-up “With Gratitude for INDEPENDENCE”. Part three https://youtube.com/live/0NYUXORoYMY
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