Ukrainian American Community Prepares to Mark 35th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence at Seattle Center – August 29th

Day-long Ukrainian Independence celebration features Eurovision medalist alyona alyona, Ukrainian food, culture, and humanitarian efforts

SEATTLE, WA, UNITED STATES, August 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Ukrainian Association of Washington State (UAWS) invites members of the public to join the celebration of the 35th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence, featuring Eurovision medalist alyona alyona, on August 29, 2026 at 12:00pm – 10:00pm PT at the Mural Amphitheater, steps from the Space Needle at Seattle Center. Be part of a nationwide commemoration of the 35th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence. Celebrate Ukrainian culture, honor the resilience of the Ukrainian people, and reaffirm American’s continued support for Ukraine. The event begins with a welcome from organizers, spiritual and community leaders, elected officials and other honored guests. The celebration will feature stage performances of live music and dance, including a special guest alyona alyona, a Ukrainian artist and part of a duo that earned Ukraine 3rd place at Eurovision Song Contest 2024. Throughout the day, visitors will have an opportunity to taste authentic Ukrainian food and drinks, participate in workshops and games for kids, shop for Ukrainian crafts, and donate to impactful humanitarian initiatives.

What We Commemorate. Why We Celebrate.

On August 24, 1991, Ukrainians chose liberty over colonial rule, breaking free of what was long called the Soviet Union’s “prison of nations.” In doing so, they drew on the same ideals American patriots fought for in 1776: self-determination, individual liberty, and a government accountable to its people. Over the three and a half decades since, Ukrainians repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to these principles. Once, it was the United States that fought to secure the survival of a young republic. Today, Ukraine wages that same fight — to remain free and independent against Russia’s aggression and oppression. As Americans mark 250 years of independence and Ukrainians celebrate 35, the Ukrainian American community is grateful to the people of Washington State and those across the nation who understand that Ukraine’s fight is America’s fight.

This year’s celebration carries added weight. Ukrainians are enduring the most intense aerial attacks since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. They survived another bitter winter of Russian strikes on the energy grid that left millions without electricity or heat in subzero cold. This summer Ukrainians face nightly barrages of drones and ballistic missiles while the air defenses needed to stop them run critically scarce. This July 2026, more Ukrainian civilians were killed or injured than in any month since March 2022, with at least 437 killed and 2,610 injured, according to the UN. In the fifth year of this Russia terror campaign, the Ukrainian people stand firm in their choice of independence, sovereignty, and a democratic Euro-Atlantic future.

“Russia’s colonial war against Ukraine has exposed its true purpose: to crush a free people for choosing democracy over dictatorship. Russian forces have executed prisoners, bombed hospitals and kindergartens, and used ‘precision’ weapons to terrorize civilians — acts that are not accidents, but the deliberate tools of a regime that rules through fear,” said Liliya Kovalenko, President of the Ukrainian Association of Washington State, which is organizing the celebration.

“Today we mark not only 35 years since Ukraine restored its independence, but also 12 years since Russia invaded and occupied Crimea and eastern Ukraine, four and a half years of its full-scale invasion, and 400 years of the fight against the same enemy and its colonial tyranny. Millions of Ukrainians have become refugees and immigrants and continue to support and fight for Ukraine from the diaspora. Our community in Washington State and many communities across the United States have continued to stand with Ukraine through humanitarian aid, public demonstrations of solidarity, and advocacy with our elected representatives to reflect the overwhelming support of Ukraine among Americans,” she continued.

UAWS Humanitarian Initiatives

During the event, UAWS will recognize the impact that the support of Washingtonians has for those continuing to fight in Ukraine. Through humanitarian initiatives such as “Bring Light to Ukraine” and “Help Heroes Walk Again,” UAWS partners with local organizations to provide direct aid to first responders and hospitals and improve the lives of veterans throughout Ukraine.

In “Bring Light to Ukraine,” one of UAWS’ most urgent humanitarian projects, it partnered with New Use Energy Inc. to provide life-saving generators and help Ukrainians survive through the cold and darkness of this year’s winter.

“Washington State cares about Ukraine. Our Anacortes based company New Use Energy has worked with UAWS, numerous Washington State Rotary clubs, NGO’s and individuals who support our work in providing life saving power to hospitals and communities in Ukraine for almost 5 years. You can see the best in people when you come to an event such as the one being held on August 29th at the Space Needle. We will be there and the energy will be amazing,” said Paul Shmotolokha, CEO New Use Energy Inc.

Through its “Help Heroes Walk Again” project, UAWS is helping Ukrainian veterans who lost their limbs to regain mobility. In this effort, UAWS partners with Ukraine’s National Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology and MirKo Foundation to provide custom endoprosthetics to veterans that improve their independence and, in many cases, help them return to active duty.
Event Details
What: 35th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence
When: August 29, 2026, 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Where: Mural Amphitheater, Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
Admission: Free
Website: https://uaws.org/ukrainian-independence-2026

Media are welcomed and encouraged to attend. Interviews with organizers, Ukrainian community members, and speakers will be available.

About Ukrainian Association of Washington State (UAWS)
The Ukrainian Association of Washington State (UAWS), a 501c3 nonprofit founded in 1971, preserves and promotes Ukrainian culture for more than 100,000 residents of Washington and the Northwest through cultural events, educational programs, and U.S.–Ukraine cooperation. Since 2014, UAWS has expanded into humanitarian aid and advocacy in Olympia and Washington, DC, delivering tens of millions of dollars in medical supplies and refugee support — including 30 tons of medical equipment in the first month of the full-scale invasion. https://uaws.org/

Katerina Sedova
Foreign Policy Advisor
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Written By: EIN Presswire