Pielli’s resolution recognizing Ukrainian Independence Day in Pennsylvania approved by House
Rep. Chris Pielli May 5, 2026 | 2:05 PM
WEST CHESTER, May 5 – State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, said today he is proud to announce that his resolution recognizing Aug. 24, 2026 as Ukrainian Independence Day in Pennsylvania has been adopted by the state House.
Ukraine voted to declare independence from the Soviet Union on Aug. 24, 1991 with more than 90% of voters in the country supporting an independence referendum. Subsequently, in 1994 as part of the Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine agreed to completely relinquish its nuclear arsenal in exchange for assurance that the U.S., the U.K. and Russia would respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and refrain from the use or threat of military force. However, Russia violated that agreement through a brazen act of aggression by invading Ukraine on Feb. 4, 2022. The war continues to this day.
“Ukraine was supposed to fall quickly, but the Ukrainian people fought back with a passion and resolve that one only sees in a people fighting for their independence. It is that fighting spirit – dare I say, that truly American spirit – that has kept Ukraine free despite all odds,” Pielli said.
“Today, Ukraine remains an independent nation, with a united people, still daring to aspire to that idea of democracy even while under brutal, relentless attack. 200,000 Ukrainians killed. 600,000 Ukrainians wounded. They stand at the front lines of the free world. With this resolution, our great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the birthplace of Democracy, sends a message to the world both powerful and inestimable, as we stand in solidarity with those who yearn, who fight, who sacrifice and bleed for the unconquerable dream of freedom.
“I thank my colleagues in the House for joining me in this act of true democracy to honor and celebrate the bravery of the people of Ukraine.”