Viktoriia Verbeniuk, a Ukrainian American, poses for a portrait throughout an occasion celebrating Ukraine’s Independence Day in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 24, 2024.
Michael A. McCoy for NPR
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Michael A. McCoy for NPR
Whether or not your loved ones’s conventional costume is a Mexican huipil, an Indian saree, or a Scottish kilt, the place do you normally put on these garments?
In Ukraine, the standard apparel is a vyshyvanka. Usually manufactured from cotton or linen, these shirts function embroidered patterns alongside the entrance, collar and sleeves.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine started, Anzhela Prygozhyna has worn her conventional blue-and-yellow vyshyvanka nearly each different day, together with this previous Saturday, when she went for a run alongside the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.
She was joined by dozens of others from the Ukrainian diaspora to have a good time Ukraine’s thirty third Independence Day—a day that marks 33 years since Ukraine break up from the previous Soviet Union. This comes as Russia’s full-scale invasion enters its third 12 months.
“We’re right here, all dressed up in our vyshyvankas, to point out those that the struggle continues,” stated runner Roman Kachur. “Ukraine is struggling.”
Andriy Smolensky, a Ukrainian soldier who was wounded in southern Ukraine final 12 months, got here to the occasion along with his spouse, Alina. Though he’s the runner of the 2, this was his first vyshyvanka run.
“Once we heard about it, we instantly grabbed our vyshyvankas from our backpack,” Andriy stated, laughing. “That’s one thing each Ukrainian has of their backpack. I’m kidding, however the level is, we actually simply need to assist the motion, and we prefer to run.”
Andriy simply acquired his first week of therapy at Walter Reed Hospital.
“We’re actually grateful that the American nation supported our nation,” he stated.
The vyshyvanka run raised funds for United Assist Ukraine, with proceeds going to humanitarian support, medical care, and psychological well being providers for the Ukrainian individuals.
Members of the Ukrainian neighborhood have a good time Ukraine’s Independence Day on Aug. 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
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Members of the Ukrainian neighborhood put together for a morning race to have a good time Ukrainian Independence Day on August 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
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Andriy Smolensky, an injured Ukrainian soldier, receives a medal.
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Michael A. McCoy for NPR
Members of the Ukrainian neighborhood have a good time Ukraine’s Independence Day on Aug. 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
Michael A. McCoy for NPR
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Michael A. McCoy for NPR
Ukrainian stickers.
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Members within the Vyshyvanka Run DC celebrated Ukraine’s Independence Day with 1K and 5K races in Washington, D.C. on August 24, 2024.
Michael A. McCoy for NPR
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Michael A. McCoy for NPR
Members within the Vyshyvanka Run DC in Washington, D.C. on August 24, 2024.
Michael A. McCoy for NPR
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Michael A. McCoy for NPR