Global leaders and prominent figures don Vyshyvankas – photo collection

Vyshyvanka Day has evolved into a beloved tradition for Ukraine’s supporters worldwide. Politicians and public figures participate by donning Ukrainian symbols. A collection of photographs has been assembled, showcasing distinguished politicians and public figures from around the world dressed in Vyshyvankas.

On May 16, dozens of Vyshyvankas could be seen in the Canadian Parliament. “Today, as Russia again commits genocide against the Ukrainian people, people around the world wear a Ukrainian embroidered shirt to show their support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom and independence,” said Yvan Baker, a member of the Canadian Parliament.

“A Vyshyvanka is more than a shirt – it’s tradition, it’s culture, and it’s a symbol of resistance in the fight against Russia’s illegal invasion. Here in Canada, we wear it proudly. Slava Ukraini!” wrote Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

A Vyshyvanka is more than a shirt — it’s tradition, it’s culture, and it’s a symbol of resistance in the fight against Russia’s illegal invasion.

Here in Canada, we wear it proudly. Slava Ukraini. pic.twitter.com/NnRoWw9Hg6

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 16, 2024

One of the first to celebrate Vyshyvanka Day was Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Richard Marles. Stefan Romaniw, UWC First Vice President and Co-Chair of the AFUO, published a photo of the politician.

Ukrainian symbols also adorned the Parliament of the State of Victoria. “Honoring cultural heritage is important now – it connects the past with the present and extends into the future. Ukraine is very far from Australia, but this does not diminish people’s understanding of what Ukrainians are fighting for. This week, AFUO was pleased to celebrate Vyshyvanka Day in the Victorian Parliament. We had MPs and representatives from all sides of politics, all speaking in support of Ukrainian culture,” added Stefan Romaniw.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda and his wife Diana Nausėdienė also wore traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirts on Vyshyvanka Day and extended their greetings. “On Vyshyvanka  Day, Ukrainians celebrate their rich culture and honor the strength of Ukrainian nation. Vyshyvanka, part of Ukrainian national costume, is said to have the power to protect from harm & bring good luck. May it help bring Ukraine victory closer” the message read.

On #Vyshyvanka Day, Ukrainians celebrate their rich culture and honor the strength of 🇺🇦nation.⁰
Vyshyvanka, part of 🇺🇦 national costume, is said to have the power to protect from harm & bring good luck. May it help bring 🇺🇦 victory closer!
@ZelenskyyUa, Happy Vyshyvanka Day! pic.twitter.com/cLqfglr5Oy

— Gitanas Nausėda (@GitanasNauseda) May 16, 2024

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen congratulated Ukrainians on Vyshyvanka Day.

Glædelig Visjivanka-dag til mine ukrainske venner / Happy Vyshyvanka Day to my Ukrainian friends 🇺🇦🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/pAjmcCAey3

— Lars Løkke Rasmussen (@larsloekke) May 16, 2024

British Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris showed off his Vyshyvanka.

Happy #Vyshyvanka Day! Dress code: Ukrainian. 🇺🇦🇬🇧💪 pic.twitter.com/VKWzP0CXxN

— Martin Harris (@MartinHarrisOBE) May 16, 2024

“Today, with the G7, I celebrated Vyshyvanka Day. As Russia not only attacks Ukraine’s sovereign land & people, it is also attempting to erase Ukrainian culture. Today the G7, international partners, & Ukrainians worldwide mark this beautiful symbol of Ukraine’s national heritage,” wrote US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink.

Today, with the G7, I celebrated Vyshyvanka Day. As Russia not only attacks Ukraine’s sovereign land & people, it is also attempting to erase Ukrainian culture. Today the G7, international partners, & Ukrainians worldwide mark this beautiful symbol of Ukraine’s national heritage. pic.twitter.com/fJPONgKiRl

— Ambassador Bridget A. Brink (@USAmbKyiv) May 16, 2024