A Ukrainian athlete and entrepreneur has set a new international record after unfurling his country’s largest national flag at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, further elevating the global profile of Tanzania’s flagship tourist attraction.
Roman Maslov, 39, reached Uhuru Peak the mountain’s highest point at 5,895 metres above sea level on February 9, 2026, where he successfully unfolded a Ukrainian flag measuring 3 by 4.5 metres.
According to the Ukrainian News Agency (UNN), the achievement marks a significant milestone for the athlete and has drawn attention in his home country.
The record has been officially recognised by the Book of Records of Ukraine (BRU) under the Sports and Measurements category.
The body described the accomplishment as a powerful display of courage, endurance and patriotism, achieved under the extreme high-altitude conditions of Africa’s tallest mountain, where oxygen levels are considerably low.
Beyond the personal triumph, the development carries wider implications for Tanzania’s tourism industry.
Through Maslov’s international social media platforms and media coverage in Ukraine, the event has exposed Mount Kilimanjaro to new audiences in Eastern Europe, potentially inspiring more climbers and adventure travellers to visit Tanzania.
Mount Kilimanjaro remains one of the country’s most important tourism assets, attracting thousands of visitors annually and contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
Tourism stakeholders say global record-setting attempts at the summit help reinforce Tanzania’s image as a premier destination for adventure tourism and mountaineering.
Maslov’s feat adds to a growing list of notable achievements realised at Uhuru Peak, reaffirming Mount Kilimanjaro’s standing as a global symbol of resilience, ambition and international appeal.
