During an online meeting, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated the members of the 30th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition on the 30th anniversary of the raising of the Ukrainian national flag at the Akademik Vernadsky Antarctic station.
“I congratulate all of Ukraine on this date, the participants of all past and future expeditions. Despite the war, or rather, even in the midst of war, we continue to advance our Ukrainian science. This is extremely important to us: the fact that we bring honor to Ukraine, that our flag flies at the Vernadsky station. We have people and achievements to be proud of, and we know the results,” the Head of State emphasized.
The President noted that Ukrainian researchers and scientists are making a significant contribution to ensuring that our country is respected worldwide, while also developing our national science.
The polar researchers, conducting meteorological, microbiological, and oceanographic studies at the station, shared details of their work with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and expressed gratitude for state support even in these difficult times.
The scientists highlighted that the arrival of Ukraine’s own research vessel, Noosfera, in 2021 has significantly enhanced the scope and capabilities of the Ukrainian Antarctic mission. Its fifth season began last October and will last longer than any previous one – up to seven months – allowing for even more scientific research and the expansion of international collaboration.
Oleksandr Poluden, head of the 30th expedition, briefed the President on the station’s activities. The team began its mission in March 2025 and will complete it within a few months, in April. According to Oleksandr Poluden, the expedition is successfully carrying out all planned research.
“We are grateful to have funding for all necessary supplies, enabling us to transmit all this essential information to Ukrainian institutions and international organizations, and to cooperate with our international colleagues,” the head of the 30th expedition noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also spoke with participants of previous Ukrainian Antarctic expeditions who were present at the meeting and who, after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, stood up to defend Ukraine; he also thanked the warriors for their service.
On February 6, 1996, the United Kingdom granted Ukraine ownership of the station, which was later named Akademik Vernadsky. There are 29 countries with their own stations in Antarctica. All of them, including Ukraine, jointly govern the area under the Antarctic Treaty.