Kyiv's crowded diplomatic week before 26 August 2021
A look back at the run of visits, summits and anniversary events in the Ukrainian capital in the days leading up to 26 August 2021.
What did Kyiv's calendar look like by 26 August 2021? It had just been through one of its busiest stretches of public life, with foreign guests, a new international format and a national anniversary all falling within a few days.
The run began on 21 August, when Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrived in Kyiv for a three-day visit that included a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The same day, the presidential honour "National Legend of Ukraine" was awarded for the first time.
On 22 August, German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in the capital and met Zelensky.
On 23 August, Kyiv hosted the first International Summit of the Crimea Platform. Leaders and representatives of 46 countries took part, and the participants signed a joint declaration. The same day, amendments to legislation on e-passports came into force.
Anniversary celebrations
On 24 August, Ukraine marked the 30th anniversary of its independence with events across the country. In Kyiv, a parade took place featuring military equipment and aircraft.
A regional note
Beyond Ukraine, Poland announced on 23 August that it would build a wall on its border with Belarus to stop migrants entering the country through Belarus, as part of the border crisis between Belarus and the European Union.
Looking back from 2026, the days before 26 August 2021 show a capital that combined ceremony, diplomacy and routine legislative change in a single week.
