“I want to be strong, believe in myself, believe in Ukraine. And know for sure: Ukrainian unity is not only about the two banks of the Dnieper. This is about our whole world.”, — write: www.president.gov.ua
Good morning, Ukraine!
Ukrainians. Our state. Strong, independent. Because the only one. And cathedral. We always remember this, especially on this day, January 22, the Day of the Unity of Ukraine. I am recording this address on Sofia Square. Historical place. A place of strength. A place of wisdom given to us by the events that happened here more than a hundred years ago, and further episodes of our history, which prove that when we fight, we certainly gain ours, but when we fight, then we lose ours.
It was right here, on this square, that the Act of Extermination was proclaimed. Right- and Left-Bank Ukraine united into a single state. But ambitions, discord and enemies who took advantage of them – enemies both from outside and inside, by the way – did not allow independent Ukraine to exist for long. Unfortunately. Our statehood was lost. That is, one’s own freedom has been lost. For many years. For decades. These are several generations who lived under foreign flags and traditions, who were told how to live, how to speak, how to think, who to love, who to hate. This is not own statehood, this is what loss of independence is.
And every year on this day, we always remembered these lessons of unity, we made living chains, we said how important it is to preserve unity and be side by side. But the day came, and we had to prove it. February 24. A day that became a decisive moment. It became such a challenge. Such a test for unity, for maturity, for faith in Ukraine. And we united. Ukrainians all united. Not declaratively, not on paper, not by some command, but by a call from within.
Millions of us are together. And together they were able to resist, save Ukraine together, repulsed the occupier, held back this great influx together. In this word – “together” – hidden strength of Ukrainians. This is about us, about what we are capable of when we choose Ukraine, not our own ambitions. We choose her interests. When we choose a sword rather than a sword. Protect your own. Protect your own. Defend with all your might.
We remember these moments. There were not enough weapons for all the volunteers, but there was certainly enough courage, care, self-belief, faith in Ukraine. The strength of all of us, all those who prove that the native land does not end at the border of one’s own yard, is enough. That is what the cathedral is. This is the unity that is necessary to win one’s right to live in peace.
This is the land of every Ukrainian, it is our capital and this square is ours, of every Ukrainian and every Ukrainian woman. Our Sofia. Here it has been standing for more than a thousand years. And it will cost the same. I am sure. I believe that our children, grandchildren, generations will come to this square. And on the Day of the Congregation, and on all other holidays. Under the blue-yellow flag. In our country. And we will do everything to make it so. So that there would be no shame in front of them, so that they would know that we did not repeat the mistakes of the past. And there is Ukraine. Ukraine is united. Peaceful Cathedral
Today I want to congratulate everyone on this day – the Day of the Unity of Ukraine! I want to be strong, believe in myself, believe in Ukraine. And know for sure: Ukrainian unity is not only about the two banks of the Dnieper. This is about our whole world. This is Ukraine today. No matter where we were. All of us, who were born in different cities, towns, villages, all our soldiers, our children, doctors, volunteers, teachers, energy workers, everyone who today, no matter where he is, will say: “I am Ukrainian! I am Ukrainian!”
I want to congratulate you on Sobornosty Day, dear Ukrainians!
Glory to Ukraine!
I am a Ukrainian from Kryvyi Rih.
Kryvyi is Ukraine.
