“Independence Pie” from Antarctica: How Ukrainian Polar Researchers Marked August 24, 15,000 km from Home

On August 24, 2026, the members of the 31st Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition (UAE) from the “Academician Vernadsky” station did what has already become a tradition for them: they congratulated Ukraine on Independence Day and baked a festive “Independence Pie.” The video message, recorded 15,000 kilometers from home, contains words “about home, the Ukrainian heat, the struggle, and most importantly — wishes for all of us,” as reported by the press office of the National Antarctic Science Center (NASC). “Share this warmth from Antarctica,” the center urged, publishing the video for a wide audience.

What is the “Independence Pie” and Why Does It Exist

The “Independence Pie” is an independent gastronomic initiative founded in 2024 by a group of caring Ukrainians. Its goal is to create a new national tradition: every year, on August 24, to gather with family or community and bake a pie — using an old family recipe or an entirely new one. By the organizers’ design, this gives Ukraine’s Independence Day its own “gastronomic image,” much like Easter is associated with Easter cake and Christmas with kutia. In 2026, the polar researchers of the 31st UAE joined the initiative, which became a notable event for the entire Ukrainian Antarctic program.

The Antarctic Variation: Poppy and Nut Roll

At the “Academician Vernadsky” station, the festive pie took the form of a poppy and nut roll. The treat was prepared by Boris Lutava, the cook of the 31st UAE. Expedition head Angelika Hanchuk explained that the poppy filling at the station is only enough “for a few such rolls,” which is why this kind of pastry is truly festive here. In her words, it is precisely the scarcity of resources that makes this pie special: “If you have a goal, you can get out of any situation.”

Baking in the Reality of Polar Conditions

The “Independence Pie” at “Vernadsky” has several characteristic Antarctic features. First, the last food delivery to the station took place in March, so fresh eggs have long been unavailable — the polar researchers use frozen egg melange. Second, there is no fresh liquid milk at the station either: it is replaced by milk reconstituted from powder. “These are significant challenges for baking, but that is the reality of life at an Antarctic station,” Hanchuk noted. Despite these limitations, the result, as seen in the published photographs, looks quite festive: neat slices of the roll with a clear poppy pattern are arranged on a tray covered with a colorful cloth.

A Congratulation from 15,000 Kilometers Away

In addition to the pie itself, the polar researchers of the 31st UAE recorded a video congratulation in which they spoke about home, the Ukrainian heat, the struggle, and their wishes for everyone. The message became part of the station’s annual tradition — congratulating Ukraine on Independence Day. The NASC emphasized that such initiatives help maintain a connection with the homeland even in the most remote corners of the planet and remind us that Independence Day is a holiday not only for those who are in Ukraine, but also for everyone who works for its benefit thousands of kilometers from home.