Support us on Patreon
Eng
Esp
Support us on Patreon

“Existential fight against Russia’s tyranny”: Ukraine, international diplomats honor Euromaidan Revolution fallen heroes

Ukraine honors the 107 Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred, Euromaidan protesters killed in 2014, as the country continues to resist Russia’s aggression 11 years later.
byOlena Mukhina
20/02/2025
4 minute read
Euromaidan fire
During the Euromaidan Revolution, tires were set ablaze to create a smokescreen between the protesters and the police. Photo: Alex Zakletsky
“Existential fight against Russia’s tyranny”: Ukraine, international diplomats honor Euromaidan Revolution fallen heroes
On 20 February, Ukraine commemorates 107 victims of a law enforcement crackdown on Euromaidan Revolution protesters, known as the Day of Remembrance of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred, one of the key moments in the history of the country's statehood. The Heavenly Hundred refers to the 107 participants of the Revolution of Dignity who were killed, as well as Maidan activists who died in the spring of 2014 when Russia began its aggression in eastern Ukraine. Heavenly Hundred originated from the organizational structure of Maidan Self-Defense units—known as hundreds—and was first used during farewell ceremonies on Kyiv's Independence Square on 21-22 February 2014. As a result of the Euromaidan Revolution, Ukraine ousted pro-Russian president Victor Yanukovych, who refused to sign the European Union–Ukraine Association Agreement, deepening ties with the bloc under Moscow's pressure, and then reportedly fled to Russia, stealing $32 billion.  Posthumous recognition was given to 105 of the fallen, who were awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. Three foreign nationals—Belarusian Mikhail Zhyznevskyi and Georgians Zurab Khurtsia and Davit Kipiani—were honored with the Order of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred. On this day, Ukraine's General Staff said that those killed on Maidan were the first to take up the fight in the modern war for independence.
"The Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred gave their lives for our freedom when the world was only beginning to understand who Ukrainians are and what Ukraine stands for," the Ukrainian armed forces stated.
The General Staff also recalled that on 20 February 2014, Russia began its hybrid aggression in Crimea.
"For 11 years, the Ukrainian people have resisted a neo-imperial force of evil. Eleven years of defending our national and cultural identity," it said in a statement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also reminded
that on this day, Russia started its war against Ukraine.
"While people were being killed in Kyiv, defending their freedom, Putin decided to strike again—this time in a particularly treacherous way. Since then, the world has lived in a new reality, where Russia tries to deceive everyone. It is crucial not to give in, to stand together. It is crucial to support those who defend freedom. Eternal honor to the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred. Eternal gratitude to all our brave Ukrainians who fought for Ukraine and its independence," Zelenskyy emphasized.
Ukraine’s Armed Forces have since weakened the Russians and pushed them back.
"Despite the adversary's numerical advantage, we hold the line and continue to inflict painful blows. Through war and loss, we will emerge stronger. Strategically, Ukraine will prevail—because truth is on our side, and we stand on our own God-given land," claimed the General Staff.
Meanwhile, foreign diplomats are honoring the memory of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred. The UK's Embassy in Kyiv said that 11 years on, Ukrainians continue their existential fight against Russia’s tyranny for freedom and democracy.
"Ukraine’s defenders continue their mission today, protecting their present and fighting for their future," said the German Embassy in Kyiv, adding that Berlin continues to stand firmly with Ukraine and "will continue to support its aspirations for peace, sovereignty, and self-determination."
The Embassy of Japan in Ukraine has released a video of Ambassador Masashi Nakagome laying flowers at the Alley of the Heavenly Hundred.
Related: 

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!