Ukraine’s Human Chain — symbol of unity and solidarity
In Ukraine, the largest human chain took place on January 21, 1990, a symbolic gesture where large groups of people joined hands. It was held on the eve of one of the most important dates in the country’s history—the Act of Unification of the Ukrainian People’s Republic and the Western Ukrainian People’s Republic in 1919, which united all Ukrainian lands into a unified state. Approximately three million individuals united in holding hands to form a chain connecting Ivano-Frankivsk (via Lviv) and Kyiv, citizens courageously and proudly displaying blue and yellow flags while chanting slogans advocating for independence. Despite the inevitable risks of persecution by the regime, individuals boldly proclaimed messages such as “Ukraine without sovereignty is Ukraine without a future.” It is noteworthy that during this period, the authorities banned the Ukrainian national flag, adding to the level of defiance and determination of the peaceful protests for Ukraine’s self-determination. The events of that time are a testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian people in their pursuit of independence. This monumental human chain is one of the largest in world history and played a crucial role in Ukraine’s progress toward independence.
The Ivano-Frankivsk-Kyiv human chain was initiated by the People’s Movement of Ukraine. Officially documented data from the Communist Party of the Soviet Union indicates that about 450,000 people participated, although unofficial estimates vary widely, from 1 to 5 million participants. Following the human chain action, on Jan. 21, 1990, on the eve of Unification Day, gatherings and prayers took place in Kyiv on St. Sophia Square, in Ivano-Frankivsk on Vicheva Square, and in Lviv near the monument to Ivan Franko.
On December 26, 1991, a year and 11 months after the bold demonstrations under the banned blue and yellow flags, the Soviet Union officially collapsed and Ukraine finally gained its long-awaited independence. Since that historic moment, the country has periodically organized “unity chains,” albeit on a smaller scale than the monumental events of the past. Nevertheless, these gatherings have consistently promoted the fundamental principles of unity and solidarity. They serve as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit that led Ukraine to independence and of the continued commitment to these principles in the years that followed.
Source We are Ukraine