For the first time, the Independence Monument in downtown Kyiv was illuminated in the colors of Italy
In the center of Kyiv, for the first time in history, the Independence Monument was illuminated in the colors of the Italian flag. The event took place to mark the 80th anniversary of the proclamation of the Italian Republic and served as a symbol of solidarity between the two countries.
During the celebrations, Italian Ambassador to Ukraine Carlo Formosa stated that Ukrainians today are fighting for freedom and democracy just as Italians did after the end of World War II.
In the evening, an event took place in central Kyiv that attracted the attention of residents and visitors to the capital. The Independence Monument on Independence Square was illuminated for the first time in the colors of the Italian tricolor—green, white, and red. In this way, the capital of Ukraine marked the 80th anniversary of the proclamation of the Italian Republic. The event was initiated by Carlo Formosa, the Italian Ambassador to Ukraine.
The festive lighting served not only as a sign of respect for Italy’s national holiday but also as a symbol of friendship between the two nations. Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, this gesture took on special significance.
During the celebrations, Carlo Formosa drew parallels between modern-day Ukraine and Italy after the end of World War II. “Looking at today’s Ukraine and its resilience, memories come to mind of the sacrifices Italians made after the tragedy of fascism and the war to build a democratic state together,” the diplomat said.
According to him, Ukrainians today are going through an extremely difficult historical period, when freedom has not a symbolic but a very real meaning. “Just like our country 80 years ago, the courageous and unbreakable people of Ukraine are going through a moment when freedom ceases to be an abstract concept and becomes a daily, concrete, and precious choice,” Formosa emphasized.
The ambassador also stressed that Ukraine is now defending more than just its own independence. According to him, the Ukrainians’ struggle concerns much broader issues—the right of states to determine their own future, respect for international law, and the principles of a democratic world. “Ukraine is fighting today not only for its sovereignty but also for the universal principles of the international order,” the diplomat noted.
Carlo Formosa separately confirmed that Italy continues to support Ukraine and has remained its partner since the very beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
He emphasized that Rome will continue to advocate for a just and lasting peace based on respect for international law and Ukraine’s territorial integrity. For many Kyiv residents, the evening illumination was not only a beautiful visual display but also a reminder of the support Ukraine is receiving from its partners during the most difficult period in modern history.
The light of the Italian tricolor over Maidan was yet another sign that Ukraine’s struggle remains important to the democratic world, and that the support of allies continues to be felt not only in political statements but also in symbolic gestures of solidarity. This is reported by “European Truth.”
