Delegations from 35 countries and EU's chief diplomat arrive in Lviv, Ukraine
Photo: European ministers and diplomats arrived in Lviv (t.me/Ukraine_MFA)
European ministers and diplomats arrived in Lviv on May 9. Delegations from 35 countries and the Council of Europe are present, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Two important events will take place in Lviv today: the EU foreign ministers meeting and the Core Group on the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine.
The EU's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas and the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal also arrived in Lviv.
The visit began with a commemoration of Ukrainian heroes at Lychakiv Cemetery who sacrificed their lives defending Ukraine from Russian aggression.
Photo: European ministers honored fallen heroes in Lviv (t.me/Ukraine_MFA)
Kaja Kallas also shared photos from Lviv on her X account.
“Today, we celebrate Europe Day with Ukraine and its people. Because in a family, both joys and hardships are shared. Together with Foreign Ministers, we stand united with Ukraine for a lasting peace. For the future we believe in,” Kallas wrote.
Photo: Kallas arrives in Lviv for Europe Day (x.com/kajakallas)
Europe Day
May 9 used to be associated among Ukrainians with the Second World War. However, Ukraine is moving away from Soviet traditions. Now, on May 9, Ukraine annually celebrates Europe Day, which has been celebrated in all EU member states since 1985.
In Ukraine, Europe Day began to be marked in 2003, according to a decree issued by then-President Leonid Kuchma. But it was celebrated on the third Saturday in May. In May 2023, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree officially moving the celebration of Europe Day to May 9.
