The slogan “Slava Ukraini!” or “Glory to Ukraine!” has long been not just a greeting, but a true symbol of the Ukrainian people’s struggle for independence. But what does it really mean? Let’s find out together.
Historical roots
Historian Yuriy Yuzych claims that the slogan “Glory to Ukraine!” and the response to it “Glory throughout the land!” were used among the Kharkiv student community in the late nineteenth century.
According to the BBC, it became truly widespread and especially politically charged during the Ukrainian People’s Republic (UPR) in 1918-1920. That was when Ukraine first declared itself as a separate state and, albeit briefly, proclaimed its independence.
The full greeting, “Glory to Ukraine! – Glory to the Heroes!” was introduced in 1941 by the Western Ukrainian Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists. And it became extremely common among the fighters of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which operated in the western Ukrainian regions in 1942-1960.
Later, the slogan was revived during the Revolution on Granite, when Ukrainian youth staged a peaceful protest in the center of Kyiv, demanding changes for the Ukrainian Republic on the eve of the collapse of the Soviet Union.
In 2013-2014, this slogan was widely used during the Euromaidan protests. And in 2018, the slogan “Glory to Ukraine!” and its response “Glory to the Heroes!” were officially approved as a statutory greeting for the armed forces and the national police.
What does “Slava Ukraini” mean: the current meaning
Today, this slogan is an integral part of Ukrainian identity. It unites Ukrainians around the world.
In this way, we honor our country, as well as every hero who fought or is fighting for Ukraine’s independence.
For many, this slogan has also become synonymous with the struggle of Ukrainians for their right to self-determination.
During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the slogan became a symbol of the indomitable Ukrainian spirit and resistance to Russian aggression.
Response to the slogan
The traditional response to “Glory to Ukraine!” is “Glory to the Heroes!”.
“Glory to Ukraine!” is more than just a greeting. It is a powerful symbol of Ukrainian identity that unites millions of people around the world.
