Ukraine celebrates Volunteer Day: what you need to know about this holiday

Ukraine celebrates Volunteer Day every year — a holiday that reminds us how important the power of unity and mutual aid is in times of trial. While the world speaks of volunteers as a symbol of humanity, for Ukrainians this word has long been synonymous with resilience and daily heroism. Learn how the volunteer movement in Ukraine was formed and what role it played during the war

Choose a tour in Ukraine for any taste

CHOOSE A TOUR

On 5 December, Ukraine joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Volunteer Day — a date that has long ceased to be just a line on the calendar. For Ukrainians, this is one of the most emotional and significant holidays, as volunteers have become a symbol of the unbreakable spirit, mutual aid and strength of the nation in the most difficult moments.

This holiday was established by the UN General Assembly on 17 December 1985 as International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development. Its purpose is to remind the world that voluntary assistance can change lives and societies, and sometimes even save entire countries.

How volunteering developed in Ukraine

Ukrainian traditions of mutual assistance have deep roots, but the modern volunteer movement began to take shape in the 1990s and was regulated by the Law of Ukraine ‘On Volunteer Activity’. The real boom came during the Revolution of Dignity and the start of the war in Donbas. It was then that thousands of people came together to help the army, displaced persons and those in need.

Volunteers collected money, brought the most necessary items to the front line — from warm clothes to thermal imagers — found medicines, provided housing for displaced persons, wove camouflage nets, prepared food, and gave their blood and time to those for whom it was vitally important. This movement became more than just a form of assistance — it became the foundation of a new civil society.

The period of full-scale war

After 24 February 2022, the volunteer movement grew to the scale of a national phenomenon. Millions of Ukrainians — regardless of age, profession, or status — became volunteers. Some help the military, some provide evacuations, some sew clothes for the front lines, and some support the families of defenders. There are also those who risk their lives every day by delivering aid to hot spots.

Today, virtually every Ukrainian is a volunteer. We raise funds, purchase equipment, and assist strangers as we would our own family members. This is considered a unique Ukrainian phenomenon throughout the world.

Volunteer Day: greetings from the president

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already congratulated Ukrainians on International Volunteer Day, emphasising that millions of people have become part of the country's defence since the first days of the war in Donbas and the first minutes of the full-scale invasion.

‘We thank everyone who supports Ukraine, our defence, our soldiers, and life in our communities,’ said the head of state.

He also emphasised the symbolism: Volunteer Day is celebrated on the eve of Ukrainian Armed Forces Day. After all, Ukraine's defence is based on the unity of its people — those who fight and those who help.

Reminder! Wizz Air, Ryanair and easyJet are preparing to quickly return to the Ukrainian aviation market after the opening of the airspace. Airlines are forecasting an increase in passenger traffic and the restoration of routes to meet demand. Learn more about low-cost airlines' plans and the expected launch of flights.