President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed to the Verkhovna Rada to introduce the Day of Ukrainian Statehood in Ukraine and declare it a holiday.
He signed the decree on the establishment of a new holiday during a speech on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence. Day of Ukrainian statehood will be celebrated on the day of the baptism of Russia, July 28.
"I signed a decree on the celebration of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood and submit for your consideration a draft law according to which this day should become a holiday," Zelensky said during his speech at the ceremonial meeting of the Council.
Presidents of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma, Viktor Yushchenko, Petro Poroshenko, People's Deputies of the first and ninth convocations, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Mayor of Kyiv Vitaly Klychko, representatives of churches and religious organizations will also participate in the meeting.
Also among the guests are the delegations of Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, France, Germany, PACE and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
During the speech, Zelensky wished health to the first president of Ukraine, Leonid Kravchuk, who underwent an operation
"I know that today you will have an extraordinary meeting and you will consider the issue of the Great State Coat of Arms. He was supposed to be represented today by the first president of Ukraine, Leonid Makarovych Kravchuk... This is his idea, his dream... I believe that he deserves support, let him be healthy. And such a state as Ukraine definitely deserves one more symbol," Zelensky said.
