Advocacy focus: Key dates in May

These key dates, events, and initiatives in May serve as guideposts for advocacy efforts and should be considered when planning activities, communications, and strategic messaging.

Commemorative dates

• May 4 – 110th anniversary of the battle between Ukrainian Sich Riflemen and Russian forces on Mount Makivka.
• May 8 – Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II (1939–1945).
• May 9 – Europe Day. Learn more about how Ukrainian communities in the EU can mark this date at the following link.
• May 10 – Mother’s Day.
• May 14 – Day of Remembrance for the Righteous Among the Nations.
• May 18 – Day of Remembrance for Victims of Political Repressions and the Day of Remembrance for Victims of the Crimean Tatar Genocide.
• May 20 – Fourth anniversary of the defenders of Mariupol leaving Azovstal. On this day in 2022, Ukrainian defenders exited the Azovstal steel plant.
• May 21 – World Vyshyvanka Day.
• May 23 – Heroes Day.
• May 25 – 100th anniversary of the death of Symon Petliura, a prominent Ukrainian statesman, Head of the Directorate, and Chief Otaman of the Ukrainian People’s Republic forces.
• May 30 – 150th anniversary of the Ems Ukaz, which imposed a sweeping ban on the Ukrainian language.

Events

• May 3 – A gala evening marking the 85th anniversary of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) will take place in New York.
• May 10-11 – Nordic Ukraine Advocacy Summit 2026.
• May 16-17 – The All-Ukrainian pilgrimage will take place in Fátima, Portugal, featuring solemn liturgies, processions, and gatherings led by bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.