---
title: "Ukrainian contingent to march in Brussels military parade for the first time in history"
description: "A Ukrainian contingent will march in a military parade for the first time in history to celebrate Belgium's National Day on July 21 in Brussels. Prime Minister Theo Francken called this a source of pride and confirmed support for Ukraine. This follows a similar participation by Ukrainians in a parade in France on July 14."
date: 2026-07-17T07:38:02.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ukrainian-contingent-to-march-in-brussels-military-parade-for-the-first-time-in-history
tags: [belgium, ukraine, theo-franken, emmanuel-macron, vladimir-zevensky]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Ukrainian contingent to march in Brussels military parade for the first time in history

![Ukrainian honor guard marching with the Ukrainian flag during a military parade in Brussels](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/17/ukrainskiy-otryad-vpervye-v-istorii-vystupit-na-voyennom-parade-v-byusselye/ukrainskiy-otryad-vpervye-v-istorii-vystupit-na-voyennom-parade-v-byusselye-1.webp)

### A historic moment for the Ukrainian delegation

The military parade dedicated to Belgium's National Day will be the first event of its kind in history to feature a Ukrainian contingent. The ceremonial march will take place on Tuesday, July 21, in the country's capital, Brussels. Official confirmation of this fact appeared in the social media channels of Belgian Prime Minister Theo Francken.

"On July 21, a Ukrainian contingent will participate in the parade for the first time in history. I am very proud of this. Glory to Ukraine. Never give up," the head of government wrote on Thursday, July 16. These words underscore not only the significance of the event for diplomatic relations but also the high level of trust between the two countries.

### A tradition rooted in 1831

July 21 holds fundamental significance for Belgian statehood. It was on this day in 1831 that Belgium's first king, Leopold I, took the oath of office. This event became a symbol of the country's establishment as an independent constitutional monarchy, and the holiday has been celebrated annually ever since.

The inclusion of a Ukrainian unit among the parade participants transforms the traditional event into a timely political gesture of support.

### A precedent in Paris and a coalition of support

The event in Brussels is not an isolated fact. A week earlier, on July 14, France demonstrated similar solidarity. For the first time, Ukrainian soldiers marched in the Bastille Day military parade in Paris. Twenty-five soldiers participated in the event, while Mirage 2000B fighters with mixed French-Ukrainian crews flew over the French capital.

The Paris parade was accompanied by significant diplomatic events. On the eve of the celebrations, French President Emmanuel Macron gathered participants of the coalition of the willing in the capital to discuss the details of further support for Ukraine. Among the guests of honor at the events in Paris were Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska.