Ukrainian flag from front to be raised at NATO summit in Vilnius

Stepan Barna, a fighter of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade and a deputy of the Ternopil Regional Council from the "European Solidarity" faction, handed over the Ukrainian flag to the runners. The purpose was to convey to Europe and the world that Ukraine is a European country deserving NATO membership.

"It is crucial to convey to Europe and the world that Ukraine is a European country where Ukrainian soldiers give their lives for the values of democracy and freedom of speech. This flag represents the border between Europe and the horde that is now called Russia," said Stepan Barna.

"I wish the runners success and good health in completing this distance, and at the NATO Summit, I hope that our country will finally achieve an upgrade in political relations between Kyiv and the Alliance. Together, we will be in a united Europe, a civilized world, and a unified North Atlantic Alliance," emphasized the Ukrainian defender.

33 athletes from Latvia and Ukraine are participating in the International Marathon "I raise the flag for Ukraine in NATO." The number of participants in the marathon, 33, corresponds to the number of Alliance members if Ukraine becomes a NATO member. The final point of the marathon is Vilnius, where a solemn flag-raising ceremony of the Ukrainian flag will take place during the NATO Summit on July 11th.