Kyiv hosted celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the proclamation of the Italian Republic. On this occasion, the Independence Monument on Maidan was illuminated for the first time in history in honor of a foreign country—in the colors of the Italian tricolor, according to the Italian Embassy in Ukraine.
The events in Kyiv were hosted by Italian Ambassador to Ukraine Carlo Formosa. In his speech, he emphasized the connection between Italy’s historical experience after World War II and Ukraine’s current struggle for freedom and independence.
“Looking at today’s Ukraine and its resilience, memories come to mind of the sacrifices Italians made after the tragedy of fascism and the war to build a democratic state together. Just like our country eighty years ago, the courageous and unbreakable people of Ukraine are experiencing a moment when freedom ceases to be an abstract concept and becomes a daily, concrete, and precious choice,” the ambassador stated.
Formosa noted that Ukraine is defending not only itself but also principles vital to all of Europe: sovereignty, the right of a people to choose their own future, and the inadmissibility of using force as an argument in international relations.
“It is precisely thanks to its deep commitment to these values that Italy has stood unwaveringly by Ukraine’s side from the very first day of the Russian invasion. We continue to work together for a just and lasting peace,” the ambassador added.
The celebrations were attended by representatives of Ukraine’s state bodies, the Office of the President, the government, central and local authorities, as well as representatives of business, culture, science, the media, civil society, and the Italian community in Ukraine.
A separate part of the program was the exhibition “Renato Balestra. Codes of Haute Couture,” opened in Kyiv to mark the anniversary of the Italian Republic. The exhibition features eleven evening gowns from the fashion house, founded in Rome in 1959. The exhibition traces the over 60-year history of the Made in Italy brand, the legacy of its founder, and the fashion house’s contemporary development.
The Italian Embassy also provided photo and video materials showing the Independence Monument illuminated in the colors of the Italian flag. The materials are available for free use.
The Italian Republic was proclaimed following a referendum on June 2, 1946, as a result of which Italy abandoned the monarchy and became a republic. Republic Day is Italy’s main national holiday.
