Ukraine President’s Day of Diplomacy and Remembrance

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a ceremony marking the reburial of Colonel Yevhen Konovalets and held diplomatic talks with Belgium’s foreign minister on Aug. 18, according to the President’s Office. The day’s official agenda also included meetings with four newly accredited ambassadors and national education events involving First Lady Olena Zelenska.

During the ceremony at the National Military Memorial Cemetery, Zelenskyy described Konovalets’ return to Ukraine as an act of historical justice. In an address to participants, he said the colonel had returned to the country he had fought for and wanted to see as strong, sovereign and independent, with a respected and developing military.

Zelenskyy also met Maxime Prévot, Belgium’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, European affairs and development cooperation. Their discussions focused on continued Belgian military support for Ukraine and the country’s path toward European Union membership.

The president accepted credentials from the ambassadors of Bulgaria, Estonia, India and Germany. He briefed the diplomats on bilateral relations, efforts to end the war, intensifying Russian attacks and the need for continued international support as Ukraine prepares for winter. Separately, Zelenska attended the annual “Serpneva-2026” education conference with government officials under the theme “Education Is Everyone’s Responsibility.”