The Empire State Building in New York City was illuminated in blue and yellow to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence. The symbolic lighting of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks was activated by Ukrainian tennis player and Svitolina Foundation founder Elina Svitolina.

The event took place as part of the Svitolina Foundation’s Sports Diplomacy program, which aims to harness the power and international visibility of sport to represent Ukraine on the global stage, amplify its voice, and draw international attention to the country.

Elina Svitolina symbolically flipped the switch, lighting up the Empire State Building in the colors of the Ukrainian flag — blue and yellow. The initiative was part of New York City’s commemoration of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence.

For the Svitolina Foundation, sports diplomacy is an opportunity to tell Ukraine’s story far beyond the tennis court.

Elina Svitolina’s participation in the Empire State Building lighting ceremony marked another step in this direction and served as a reminder that Ukrainian sport today carries not only an athletic role, but also an important diplomatic mission.

The Svitolina Foundation continues to develop its Sports Diplomacy program, creating opportunities to represent Ukraine internationally and harnessing the global power of sport to support the country.