The Embassy of the Argentine Republic in Ukraine hosted a gala reception in Kyiv to mark the 210th anniversary of Argentina’s declaration of independence. The event took place at the “Sofia Kyivska” National Reserve and brought together representatives of the Ukrainian government, the diplomatic corps, the business community, religious organizations, and the Ukrainian-Argentine community.
In her opening remarks, Argentine Ambassador to Ukraine Elena Leticia Mikusinski noted that Independence Day is not only a memorable historical date for Argentines but also a symbol of their commitment to freedom, sovereignty, and the right of peoples to determine their own future.
According to the diplomat, holding the celebrations at St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv has special symbolic significance, as this monument is the cradle of Ukrainian statehood and national identity. She emphasized that, despite the differences in the historical paths of Argentina and Ukraine, both countries are united by a desire to defend freedom, independence, and national sovereignty.
The ambassador emphasized that Argentina continues to support Ukraine on the international stage. In particular, the country participates in the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, is a member of the Ramstein-format Contact Group on Ukraine’s Defense, and consistently supports most UN General Assembly resolutions concerning Russian aggression against Ukraine. According to her, this position reflects Argentina’s unwavering commitment to the principles of international law, respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the achievement of a just and sustainable peace.
A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of an award to Elena Leticia Mikusinski, Argentina’s Ambassador to Ukraine. The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve awarded her the title of “First Ambassador of Lavra” in recognition of her contribution to the development of Ukrainian-Argentine relations, her support for Ukrainian cultural heritage, and her efforts to strengthen international cooperation.
In her speech, she paid special attention to the historical ties between the two nations. The ambassador recalled Nobel laureate César Milstein, the son of Ukrainian emigrants who made an outstanding contribution to world science, as well as Spanish language teacher Olga Anechkina-Shafran, who was born in Argentina and worked for many years in Kryvyi Rih. According to the diplomat, it is precisely such people who have been strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries for decades.
The head of the diplomatic mission also noted that modern Argentina is known not only for soccer, tango, and Malbec wine, but also for significant achievements in science and high technology. She recalled that the country is among those that independently develop and operate satellites, as well as build research nuclear reactors and develop technologies for nuclear medicine.
During the gala evening, guests were entertained by Ukrainian composer and pianist Yevhen Khmara, opera singer and defender of Ukraine Yuriy Ivaskievych, and guitarist Oleksandr Alekseenko. Guests were also treated to Argentine wines and traditional dishes.
Argentina recognized Ukraine’s independence on January 5, 1992, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on January 6, 1992. The Argentine Embassy in Kyiv began operations in 1993, and the Ukrainian Embassy in Buenos Aires has been in operation since 1993.
ARGENTINA, DIPLOMACY, EMBASSY, Saint Sophia of Kyiv, Мікусінські
The Embassy of Ukraine in the Hellenic Republic called on Ukrainian citizens who are in Greece or are planning trips around the country to take into account the increased risk of wildfires during the summer season. High temperatures, dry weather and strong winds may contribute to the rapid spread of fire throughout the country, the embassy reported.
Ukrainian citizens are advised to regularly check official announcements by the Greek authorities, in particular the daily Fire Risk Forecast Map published by the Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection. The official website of Greece’s civil protection authorities also publishes up-to-date fire danger maps and information about the 112 emergency system.
The embassy emphasizes that wildfires can cause significant logistical difficulties for tourists and local residents, including road closures, power outages, disruption of transport infrastructure and deterioration of air quality. In areas near fire outbreaks, the Greek authorities may announce the evacuation of the population.
Ukrainian citizens are advised to comply with all instructions of the Greek authorities, follow official civil protection announcements, carry identity documents with them and think through an action plan in advance in case of an emergency. On a mobile phone, it is advisable to make sure that receiving emergency alerts from the 112 system is enabled.
If a fire is detected, it is necessary to call the Greek Fire Service at 199, and for emergency assistance — the single European number 112. In the event of possible changes to transport connections, citizens are advised to clarify information with tour operators, airlines or Athens International Airport at +30 210 353 0000.
In the event of a threat to life or health, Ukrainian citizens may contact the hotline of the Embassy of Ukraine in Greece in Athens: +30 693 276 5606, available via Signal, WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram. The hotline of the Consulate of Ukraine in Thessaloniki is also operating: +30 693 407 7385, the consulate’s email address is gc_grs@mfa.gov.ua. The 24-hour hotline of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine: +38 044 238 15 88.
In Greece, wildfires are one of the main seasonal risks during the summer period, especially in conditions of heat, drought and strong winds. For Ukrainian tourists and temporarily displaced persons, this means the need to plan routes more carefully, check the situation in the region where they are staying and respond promptly to messages from local services.
Carlo Formosa, the Italian Ambassador to Ukraine, met with representatives of Italian companies already operating in Ukraine, as well as with businesses implementing new projects in the country, according to a statement from the Italian Embassy in Ukraine.
“An opportunity to pool experience, contacts, and knowledge, establish new connections, and strengthen Italy’s presence in Ukraine,” the embassy’s Facebook post states.
The event served as a platform for exchanging experience, establishing new contacts, and strengthening cooperation among Italian companies operating in the Ukrainian market.
The embassy noted that the meeting took place following a series of webinars involving over 1,000 Italian companies and was aimed at further strengthening a cohesive and coordinated business community.
Particular attention was paid to the activities of the Italian Business Association (IBA), established several months ago at the embassy’s initiative to enhance the visibility and unifying potential of Italian business in Ukraine.
“The Embassy continues to facilitate dialogue between businesses and institutions, encouraging the exchange of expertise and the coordination of efforts within the ‘System Italy’ to support Italy’s economic presence in Ukraine,” the post states.
A public literary and psychological discussion titled “Masculine and Feminine: A Dialogue Through the Texts of Chingiz Aitmatov and Contemporary Realities,” dedicated to the work of Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov, took place in Kyiv under the patronage of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Ukraine, according to the embassy’s press service.
“For many Ukrainians, Taras Shevchenko is the voice of the nation. For many Kyrgyz, Chingiz Aitmatov is its intellectual and humanistic face,” said Idris Kadyrkulov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic to Ukraine, in a comment to the agency during the event.
According to the diplomat, through Aitmatov’s works, the organizers sought to introduce Ukrainians not only to Kyrgyz literature but also to the humanistic values of the Kyrgyz people—respect for others, mutual support, love for loved ones, and responsibility.
The event was organized by the civic platform MÜTEŞEM QIRIM (MQ Community) and was dedicated to International Family Day. Participants began the meeting with a moment of silence to honor the memory of fallen Ukrainian soldiers and civilians.
As part of the event, a video message was shown from the writer’s son, Askar Aitmatov, who expressed support for the Ukrainian people and noted their resilience during the war.
The practical part of the discussion was led by psychologists Gennady Mustafayev and Katerina Goltsberg together with civic activist Leniye Ibragimova. The participants analyzed Aitmatov’s novellas “Jamila,” “My Little Poplar in a Red Scarf,” and “The Red Apple” through the lens of contemporary social challenges, family relationships, and personality psychology.
The event also featured Ukrainian-language editions of Chingiz Aitmatov’s books, an exhibition dedicated to Central Asian culture, and a portrait of the writer by People’s Artist of Ukraine Vasyl Perevalsky.
The organizers emphasized that the event served as an example of cultural diplomacy and humanitarian dialogue between Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan amid the war.
The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Ukraine held a formal reception at the St. Sophia of Kyiv National Reserve to mark the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution on May 3—one of the key documents in the history of Polish statehood and European constitutionalism.
Speaking at the reception, the Polish Ambassador to Ukraine Piotr Łukasiewicz emphasized that the May 3 Constitution was “an act of courage and foresight” and an attempt to create a state “in which laws define the limits of power, not the other way around; where the common good prevails over private ambitions.”
According to him, these ideals resonate particularly strongly today in Ukraine, which is fighting for its sovereignty, freedom, and place in the European community of nations.
“Since the beginning of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Poland has supported its independence and its right to choose its own path. We see before us not only a neighbor but also a European partner with whom we are united by shared civilizational values: human dignity, respect for human rights, and faith in a future based on law, not force,” the ambassador noted.
He emphasized that Poland supports Ukraine’s aspiration to join the European Union, calling this goal realistic but one that requires consistent work.
“Membership in the European Union is not just a flag and equal status in relations with EU institutions. Above all, it is a system of values and institutions that protect citizens from the arbitrariness of power,” the diplomat said.
The ambassador emphasized that institutional independence, transparency, accountability, effective public administration, and the equal application of laws to all citizens regardless of position or influence remain crucial for European integration.
He also highlighted the importance of judicial reform, the fight against corruption, transparency in public finances, and the protection of journalists and civil society.
“I want to emphasize one key principle: the rule of law is stronger than any political power. The law curbs abuse and ensures predictability, and predictability is a prerequisite for security and economic development,” the ambassador stated.
He noted that Ukraine is currently undergoing an extraordinary test, simultaneously defending its territory and building institutions. Poland, he said, supports these efforts not only politically but also through the exchange of experience, training, and technical and institutional assistance.
“Poland, having gone through its own transformation, shares its experience and supports Ukraine on its path to EU membership,” the diplomat emphasized.
The ambassador also noted the development of economic cooperation between the countries even amid a full-scale war. According to him, Poland and Ukraine are working to create a “Polish model” of defense cooperation, through which the armed forces of both countries will receive modern, battle-tested, and jointly produced equipment.
He also mentioned the work of Polish companies in Ukraine. In particular, the gas and fuel supplied by Orlen, according to the ambassador, not only meet the transportation needs of Ukrainian citizens but also support Ukraine’s defense. PZU is implementing the largest foreign investment project in its history on the Ukrainian insurance market, while Kredobank is expanding its presence in Ukraine and is set to become one of the sources of funding for the reconstruction of cities.
“I am grateful to these companies for their activities in Ukraine, for their worthy representation of the Polish economic miracle, and for their generous support of today’s reception,” said the ambassador.
The diplomat emphasized that joining the international community does not mean a loss of sovereignty, but rather is a way to strengthen it. According to him, the implementation of standards of the rule of law, transparency, and accountability strengthens the state, increases investor confidence, protects the rights of minorities, and enriches public life.
“Standing here today, I think of the courage of the men and women defending Ukraine on the front lines, but also of the courage of the reformers, members of the Verkhovna Rada, judges, journalists, and citizens who participate daily in building the rule of law and institutions. Poland recognizes and highly values these efforts,” the ambassador stated.
He emphasized that Ukraine’s victory—both “military and institutional”—is a victory for all of Europe.
“Freedom and the rule of law cannot be taken for granted—they require care, renewal, and protection. That is why we stand with Ukraine—as a partner, ally, and friend—in its pursuit of security, prosperity, and full membership in the family of European nations,” the diplomat concluded.
The Constitution of May 3 was adopted in 1791 by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and is considered the first modern constitution in Europe and one of the first in the world.
Poland became the first country in the world to recognize Ukraine’s independence following the all-Ukrainian referendum on December 1, 1991: Warsaw did so on December 2, 1991.
The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kyiv was opened in 1992, and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Poland in Warsaw resumed operations in June 1992 following the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two independent states.
CONSTITUTION DAY, EMBASSY, POLAND, reception, St. Sophia Cathedral
Ukraine has announced its decision to open an embassy in Manama (Kingdom of Bahrain). The opening of the embassy was announced during a meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani.
“As part of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Bahrain, I was pleased to hold a bilateral meeting with my colleague Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani,” Sybiga wrote on Telegram on Tuesday.
According to him, Ukraine announced today its decision to open an embassy in Bahrain’s capital, Manama. “We also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain. These are concrete steps toward a stronger and more structured partnership,“ Sibiga said.
He also noted that the parties ”agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation, which has gained real momentum in recent years following the Bahraini minister’s first visit to Ukraine in 2023.”
According to the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the current talks focused on regional security. “Ukraine expresses solidarity with Bahrain and other GCC countries in the face of Iran’s irresponsible destabilizing actions.”
“The situation in the Strait of Hormuz requires special attention, as freedom of navigation must be guaranteed as a cornerstone of global energy security and the stability of international markets. We agreed to strengthen coordination within international organizations and expand cooperation in the areas of food security and supply stability,” Sibiga emphasized.
According to him, Ukraine is ready to offer practical solutions, in particular to share its experience in countering security threats and strengthening resilience.
