"I honor the warriors — I run for the Heroes of Ukraine"

On August 29, on the Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of Ukraine who died in the struggle for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, the traditional All-Ukrainian race "I honor the warriors — I run for the Heroes of Ukraine 2026" took place in Strasbourg. Before the start of the race, participants observed a minute of silence to honor the memory of Ukrainian male and female defenders who gave their lives for Ukraine.

Staff members of the Permanent Representation of Ukraine to the Council of Europe and representatives of the Ukrainian community in Strasbourg joined the race. The event was held with the support of the Tour En Sol Association, to which we express our sincere gratitude for their help in organizing and uniting the Ukrainian community of Strasbourg.

The beginning of the race was particularly special and symbolic. It was opened by Pavlo, a Ukrainian marine and former prisoner of war. At the beginning of Russia's full-scale military aggression against Ukraine, he served in the Marines, was captured by Russians in Mariupol, and spent over three years in captivity.

This race is much more than a sporting event. Each participant runs in honor of a specific fallen Hero, calling their name and continuing their story. In this way, the memory of Ukrainian male and female defenders lives on not only in Ukraine, but far beyond its borders.

We ran to remember. We ran to honor. We ran for those who gave the most precious thing — their lives — for the freedom and independence of Ukraine.

The memory of the fallen Heroes unites us and reminds the world of the price Ukraine pays every day in the fight against Russian aggression. Our duty is to cherish their names, tell their stories, support the families of the fallen, and pass on to future generations a culture of remembrance built on the values of freedom, dignity, and justice.

Eternal memory and glory to the Heroes of Ukraine.