Ukraine | Independence Day

Embassy Network | 22nd March 2017

Ambassador Galibarenko and the Ambassador of Kuwait and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Mr Khaled Al Duwaisan

The new Ambassador of Hungary Mr Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Dr Beáta Margitay Becht (Hungary) and Mr Zoltan Varga (Hungary)

Dutch Ambassador Simon Smits with the new Ambassador of Latvia Mrs Baiba Braze

Sir Gerald Howarth MP, the Rt Hon John Whittingdale MP and Ambassador Galibarenko

Traditional folk songs performed by the Ukrainian diaspora

Ambassador Galibarenko thanks Sir Gerald Howarth MP for his words of congratulation

Soprano Anastasia Golovina sings the National Anthems

Ms Yuliia Klymko-Overchenko welcomes guests

Deputy Director of Protocol at the FCO Francesca Flessati, Director of Protocol at the FCO Mr Julian Evans and Ambassador Galibarenko

Naval Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Vitalii Kraskovskyi with Helen Gardner of Chacalli de Decker

Turkish Ambassador Mr Abdurrahman Bilgiç, Mrs Esra Bilgiç and the Ambassador of Kazakhstan Mr Yerzhan Kazykhanov

Slava Ukraini!

With the words “Slava Ukraini!” (Glory to Ukraine), Ambassador Natalia Galibarenko toasted the country’s 25th Anniversary of Independence at a garden party complete with traditional songs, food and vodka (naturally!).

In her speech Ambassador Galibarenko said she was marking the day with “mixed feelings” because of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict. “But we are stronger because we are united against this Russian aggression; because of our international support including Britain; because of our priorities and goals. There is a long road to reform our country so that one day we can become a member of the EU,” she said, joking: “We are ready to fill the space left by Britain!”

Guest of Honour Sir Gerald Howarth MP, Chairman of the APPG for Ukraine, said choosing independence 25 years ago meant Ukraine should be free “to decide who they want to trade with, what alliances they wish to form and who they wish to have as friends.”

PHOTOS: PIERRE DE VILLIERS