Independence Day of Ukraine with the Ukrainian Center - a family celebration of freedom that united Ukrainians and our Lithuanian friends.

Addressing the participants of the event, the First Lady of Lithuania Diana Nausėdienė emphasized: "Lithuania has consistently and sincerely supported, is supporting and will continue to support Ukraine and its freedom-loving people. Be proud to be Ukrainians, be proud of your country and its brave defenders who are fighting at the front today, protecting your country, fighting for your freedom and ours."

"Our children will become a generation of victory, not a generation of war. And I am sure that they will definitely celebrate many more anniversaries and a thousand years of independence of our country under the peaceful sky of unbreakable European Ukraine," Ambassador of Ukraine to Lithuania Petro Beshta emphasized in his address.

The event was also attended by the Rector of Vytautas Magnus University Juozas Augustis. It is with the support of Vytautas Magnus University that the Ukrainian Center, a flagship project in the EU member states, has been operating in Lithuania for more than a year.

During the event, the implementation of the Books Without Borders project, initiated by the Ukrainian Book Institute under the patronage of the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, was continued, which aims to help Ukrainian children maintain contact with their homeland and native language. Each little guest received a book in Ukrainian as a gift. In Lithuania, the project is implemented with the support of the First Lady of Lithuania, Diana Nausėdienė.

Numerous locations with master classes from talented Ukrainian craftswomen and interactive stands from the Ukrainian Center's partners - the Polish Institute in Lithuania, the Lithuanian Red Cross, the Representation of the European Commission in Lithuania and the Vilnius Health Bureau "Vilnius Healthier" - were opened for visitors. An entertaining game location was organized by the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee, as well as a charity fair of Ukrainian souvenirs, handmade products and Ukrainian cuisine. The program of events was complemented by a concert by the Ukrainian Center's groups and performers, as well as special guests - musician Vladyslav Onyshchenko, winner of the X-Factor 9 show, and the Lithuanian Tatar folklore ensemble 'Efsane'.

We are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to the realization of this event, to all partners and guests!