Ukraine's capital hosted a commemorative event on November 19 honoring the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia organized by the Embassy of the Slovak Republic.

The event was held at Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv with the participation of diplomats, Ukrainian government officials, and members of the public.

In his remarks, Slovak Republic's Ambassador to Ukraine Pavel Vizdal underscored the Velvet Revolution's pivotal role in the modern history of Slovakia and the Czech Republic. He also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, marking 1,000 days since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

The ambassador emphasized the necessity of a peaceful resolution to the conflict that upholds Ukraine's territorial integrity.

The Velvet Revolution, which unfolded in Czechoslovakia in November 1989, symbolized a peaceful transition from a totalitarian regime to democracy. Mass protests against the communist government began on November 17, 1989, and led to the government's collapse by the end of the year. The revolution earned the name "Velvet" due to its non-violent approach, distinguishing it from other revolutionary movements in Eastern Europe.

Ukraine and the Slovak Republic were established diplomatic relations on January 1, 1993, following Czechoslovakia's dissolution and Slovakia's independence. Since then, the two nations have actively cooperated in political, economic, and cultural domains.