National flag raised in Kyiv to mark National Flag Day of Ukraine

"Our flag is our tribute to all the heroes of different times who defended our land and gave their lives for Ukraine and Ukrainians," the President of Ukraine said at the ceremony.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the audience honoured the fallen soldiers with a one-minute silence.

"Today we are raising a special flag. It bears special words and signatures left by special people. These are our defenders who are fighting for the freedom of Ukrainians, for Ukraine and its independence. For our colours and this flag," the President of Ukraine said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the national flag had been all along the frontline, at military positions from Chernihiv to Odesa, in brigades and units, in hospitals and among volunteers.

New signatures of Ukrainian soldiers will appear on the flag. After the ceremony, everyone will be able to see the flag in the National Museum of Kyiv.

"And the time will come when our entire free and peaceful Ukraine will be able to see this special flag. All of us!" Zelenskyy added.

Finally, the President of Ukraine quoted Levko Lukianenko and said:

"I have raised the blue and yellow flag of struggle. And I have to carry it as long as I can. And then someone else will pick it up and carry it on. It doesn't matter who I am in this chain. All that matters is Ukraine, its freedom and independence, its victory and its life."