On Monday, 3 March 2025, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held in Kyiv at the monument to the Ukrainian soldiers and Bulgarian militia who perished for the freedom of Bulgaria during the Liberation War of 1877–78. The ceremony on the occasion of the national holiday was organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Ukraine.
The Bulgaria Liberation War of 1877–78 was part of the country’s struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire. It was an important stage in Bulgaria’s modern history that led to the state’s restoration after half-millennial Ottoman rule. Ukrainian military formations, including regiments from Poltava, Orel, Zhytomyr, Volyn, Podillia, and many other, took part in the war, and their invaluable sacrifices and heroic feats made the liberation of Bulgaria possible.
Representatives of the foreign diplomatic corps, government authorities, academia and the media joined the ceremony. The Directorate-General for Rendering Services to Diplomatic Missions was represented by Artem Romaniuk, GDIP Deputy Director-General, and Inna Khomenska, Head of the Media Center Directorate.
The event began with the solemn performance of the national anthems of Bulgaria and Ukraine and a memorial conducted in Bulgarian.
Nikolay Nenchev, Charge d’Affaires of the Republic of Bulgaria to Ukraine, delivered a keynote address, expressing gratitude to Ukrainians and other nations for their significant contribution to the liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. Mr Nenchev underscored that freedom, independence and democracy, which are threatened by dictatorships, must be fought for every day:
‘Today, Bulgaria celebrates its Liberation Day. I thank all those who are here today to mark our national holiday together, and those who made this liberation possible through great sacrifice. Today, the heart of Ukraine is here, in front of the monument to the Ukrainian soldiers and Bulgarian militia who died for Bulgaria’s freedom. Our people are deeply grateful to the Ukrainians and other nations, to all the brave soldiers who fought and gave their lives for the liberty of our country. But today, let’s also dispel the imperial narrative that only russians fought liberate Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. Let us not forget that other regiments, made up of Ukrainians and other nationalities, demonstrated miracles of courage and bravery on Bulgarian soil. It should serve as an example of solidarity with the Ukrainian people.’
The ceremony concluded with the laying of flowers and wreaths at the foot of the monument and a commemorative group photograph.
