On July 13, in the Hero City of Irpin, a new Ukrainian record was set — the longest “Rushnyk of Unity” featuring state symbols from all regions of Ukraine.
The event was initiated by Aliona Nazarenko, director of the charitable foundation “For Ukrainians,” and Anzhela Makeieva, Secretary of the Irpin City Council.
The ceremony began with the Ukrainian National Anthem and a moment of silence to honor the memory of children who lost their lives during the full-scale invasion. Participants and guests had the opportunity to plant paradise apple trees as part of the “Garden of Children’s Dreams” project, organized by the “1+1” TV channel and the “Greening Ukraine” Foundation, with support from the Business Woman Club and Brusvyana Ltd. This act of remembrance honored not only the children but also the brave defenders who sacrificed their lives for Ukraine.
Among those present at the planting and record-setting event were representatives from the Irpin City Council, including the Mayor Oleksandr Markushyn, members of the Ombudsman’s Office, participants from the Business Woman Club, the International Headquarters for Helping Ukrainians, local residents, volunteers, and the city’s landscaping management team. Media coverage was provided by ITV News Agency, 1+1 TV Channel, and the Irpin City Council’s press service.
Following the tree planting, the record-breaking Rushnyk of Unity was unfurled, measuring 27 meters and 41 cm in length and 1.5 meters in width.
This achievement was officially recognized by Anna Krysyuk, CEO of the World Records Book, along with partners Yaroslava Boyarkina and Maria Chorna, as well as Mayor Oleksandr Markushyn and Mykyta Kozyrenko from the Ombudsman’s Office for Human Rights.
The preparation for the record began on July 6, with the “Rushnyk of Unity” created using handprints and symbols from 25 regions of Ukraine. Additionally, the organizers launched a fundraising campaign to purchase 100 drones for the soldiers on the front lines.
Anna Krysyuk expressed her gratitude to the organizers for bringing people together around national symbols and identity, which is especially crucial in these times. She thanked everyone involved for honoring the memory of children whose lives were cut short by the war and for their generous donations. Special thanks were extended to Aliona Nazarenko and Yaroslava Boyarkina, who dedicated over a month to this record and the tree planting efforts, generating significant resources to support Ukrainian troops.
A special thanks was also given to Eurodim for providing the planting materials.
