Ukraine marks on Wednesday, February 16, its new national holiday, the Unity Day, Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform reports.
Russia announced recently plans to recognise the independence of the two separatist-controlled regions in eastern Ukraine, the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics. Meanwhile, the US has stated that Russia could launch a military attack on Ukraine on Wednesday or in the remaining days of this week.
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In this context, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a decree on introducing the Unity Day as a national holiday to be marked annually on February 16.
It has to be marked by flying national flags and attaching blue and yellow ribbons to clothing. In line with Zelenskyy’s decree, the State Flag of Ukraine will be raised on buildings in all populated localities, the National Anthem of Ukraine will be sung at 10:00. Ukraine’s representative missions abroad are required to organise relevant events aimed at uniting and supporting Ukraine, according to Ukrinform.