Rakuten Viber has launched a public vote asking users to select two emojis representing Ukraine for inclusion in the messaging application's global layout.
The initiative was introduced to mark Ukraine's Independence Day, which is celebrated annually on August 24. According to the Rakuten Viber team in a statement to news outlet LIGA.net, the two symbols that receive the highest number of votes will be added to the app's standard emoji keyboard worldwide.
Users can choose from eight candidate symbols designed to showcase Ukrainian culture and heritage. The options presented to voters include a bandura, borscht, varenyky dumplings, a vyshyvanka shirt, a rushnyk towel, a dulya hand gesture, a cossack warrior, and the nation's tryzub trident.
Cultural symbols on the ballot
The proposed figures highlight recognizable elements of traditional Ukrainian identity and daily life. The bandura is a folk stringed instrument, while borscht beet soup and varenyky filled dumplings are staple national dishes. The selection also features traditional embroidered textiles including the vyshyvanka shirt and ritual rushnyk towel, alongside the historic figure of the cossack, the traditional dulya gesture, and the official tryzub coat of arms.
Voting is taking place in the official Rakuten Viber Ukraine channel and will remain open until the end of August. The results of the poll will determine which two icons are built into the app's global layout for users around the world.
Launch planned for 2026
The new Ukrainian emojis were designed by Hexagon Agency, a digital design and branding firm based in Kyiv. Rakuten Viber plans to roll out the winning designs across its global application in 2026.
Rakuten Viber is an instant messaging and voice over IP application owned by Japanese technology group Rakuten. The platform has expanded its features in recent years. In 2025, Viber launched an in-app marketplace allowing users to search for local businesses, shops, and service providers. The messaging app has also added an artificial intelligence assistant to help users within the platform.
