Budget Workers from Regions Being Bused to Kyiv for Independence Day: What Is Happening

The trips will be funded from the state budget.

The Office of the President of Ukraine plans to bring representatives of the regions to Kyiv to celebrate Independence Day on August 24.

Regional state administrations received letters recommending that local residents be sent, reports Espreso.TV. Such trips will be financed from city and regional budgets.

"Ensure, in the established manner, the financing of expenses for organizing and participating representatives of the regions and the city of Kyiv in the event", – one of the letters states.

It is also recommended to select workers in the medical or educational sectors and public representatives.

In addition, according to the letter, people from the regions are to be brought to the capital in advance, on August 22 – 23, for a dress rehearsal.

The Presidential Office, in turn, explained that budget workers will take part in the events marking the 28th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence voluntarily.

Office of the President of Ukraine

"The information that the Presidential Office allegedly forcibly gathers teachers, doctors and public representatives for the dress rehearsal of the celebration is untrue. The relevant order of the Presidential Office on forming delegations in the regions was made to help those who wish to join the festivities."

The president's office stressed that it is not about spectators, but about participants in the events who "will represent all regions of the country". Some of the invitees are to be awarded.

At the same time, local authorities must collect information on the composition of the expected delegations "so that participants do not feel problems with how to get to Kyiv".

This year, instead of the official Independence Parade, President Volodymyr Zelensky decided to hold a "March of Dignity". The event is being directed by well-known music video director Alan Badoev together with choreographer and director Elena Kolyadenko. It is planned that the march will include not only Ukrainian military personnel but also representatives of other professions, in particular teachers, medics, athletes and diplomats.