EUROPEAN RECORD SET

Yesterday in Tallinn, as part of the festival "Vyshyvanka Unites – Rahvustikand ühendab" smART fest 2026, a European record was officially set in the categories "First Time" and "Mass Events" – the record was "Rushnyk of Unity – Rushnyk of Victory"!

This is a unique project that united Ukrainians from different European countries around a shared idea – preserving Ukrainian culture, traditions and national identity.

The record holders are:

• the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia
• the author of the idea and project leader – Andriy Yatsenko
• the Mayor of Tallinn – Peeter Raudsepp

The giant rushnyk (embroidered ritual towel) reached:

• 160 metres 50 centimetres
• 103 individual rushnyks
• 89 organisations from different European countries

Ukrainian communities, embroiderers, volunteers and cultural organisations took part in the project, together embroidering a symbol of the unity, strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

The record was officially registered in Tallinn during the international cultural event smART fest 2026 in the presence of representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora, diplomats, public figures and guests from various European countries.

The record holders were officially congratulated by representatives of Book World Records (the Book of World Records), multiple record holders Oksana Schoorli Oksana Schoorlemmer and Liudmyla Shanska, who highlighted the importance of the project for promoting Ukrainian culture and international support for Ukraine.

"Rushnyk of Unity – Rushnyk of Victory" is not only a European record but also a symbol that Ukrainians are strong, unbreakable and united regardless of borders.

Thank you to everyone who became part of this great story!