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Ukrainians chose the person of the year: who became the symbol of 2025 against the backdrop of the war

В Україні обрали особистість року: хто став символом 2025 на тлі війни. Photo: Главком

Symbols of 2025 in Ukraine

In 2025, under the conditions of a full-scale war, Ukrainians defined the image of the Ukrainian soldier as the symbol of the year. This result was the outcome of a New Year's survey conducted by the publication 'Glavcom'. This decision reflects deep respect and gratitude to those who defend the country during difficult times.

Among other nominations in the survey:

  • The discovery of the year was the poet Bohdan Tomenchuk, who was nominated for the Taras Shevchenko Prize, which confirms the importance of culture and art even during wartime.
  • The year 2025 was marked by the anniversary of Yuriy Ryabchynskyi, the People's Artist of Ukraine, who celebrated 80 years. His works have left dozens of immortal songs that have become part of Ukrainian culture.

Important events and achievements

Against the backdrop of military actions, Ukrainians also noted significant events in the fields of technology and human rights: in 2025, Ukraine signed the Framework Convention of the Council of Europe on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights. This demonstrates Ukraine's commitment to integration into European structures and the development of modern technologies.

Regarding musical events, Artem Pivovarov held seven sold-out concerts at the Palace of Sports, indicating the growing popularity of Ukrainian artists even during the war. It is also worth noting Serhiy Tyshchenko, a junior sergeant of the 30th separate mechanized brigade, who spent 471 days in position. His endurance and courage symbolize the resilience of the Ukrainian people.

Within the framework of the survey, there were also thoughts about the disappointments of the year and hopes for 2026. As one participant noted,

“We will remain here. We owe it to them to live, for the price they paid for everyone and everything.”
The belief that the Ukrainian people will continue to fight for their statehood remains unchanged. As stated in the quotes,
“Hope in all of us is one - peace.”

Thus, despite all the difficulties, 2025 became a time not only of trials but also of symbols of hope, creativity, and resilience.

This year has become an important stage for the Ukrainian society, which, despite the war, continues to value its cultural heritage and support the military. The soldier's symbol as the symbol of the year emphasizes national unity and gratitude to those who defend the country. Events related to culture and human rights testify to the resilience of Ukrainians in the struggle for freedom and dignity, as well as the aspiration for European integration. All this shapes the hope for a better future, which Ukrainians are ready to continue fighting for.