Dear Ukrainians,
Today marks the 35th anniversary of our Independence.
Every generation fills Independence with its own meaning. Our generation has been called upon to defend it — through our courage, resilience, work, and our daily choice to stand with Ukraine and believe in it.
For more than 12 years, our country and each of us have been enduring the most difficult of trials — war. It has already brought, and continues to bring, pain and irreparable loss, and has changed the lives of millions of people. Yet it is precisely through this trial that the true strength of the Ukrainian nation has been revealed.
Today, the entire world knows that Ukraine cannot be intimidated or broken. We have an army that has become a symbol of courage and steadfastness for the whole world, and one that the entire country is proud of. Ukrainians have once again proven that they are capable of coming together, supporting one another, working, and making the decision every day to continue the fight even in the most difficult times.
Today, once again, we thank our defenders. We thank them for the courage that enables Ukraine to stand. For every Ukrainian city that has been defended and liberated. For every new day our country has.
We honor the memory of the fallen heroes and of all those whose lives have been taken by this war. Our duty to them is to preserve the Ukraine for whose freedom they fought, to make it strong and worthy of their sacrifice.
Today, the contribution of each of us matters. Each of us, in our own place, can and must make our country stronger, bring Victory and a just peace closer. We must create Ukraine’s future now. Build a state capable of defending itself. An economy that ensures the country’s stability. A society that respects and supports its defenders. A Ukraine that people want to return to, where they want to live, where children’s mornings begin not with sirens, but with school, friends, and plans for the future.
A strong, free, European Ukraine. This is exactly how I see our country after Victory.
Victory requires strength from us. But peace will require no less strength. We will have to rebuild our country. I am convinced that together we can do it.
I wish all of us patience and unity. The safe return home of our loved ones. A long-lasting, just peace for our country. And may every new year of Independence become for Ukraine a year of new opportunities, development, and prosperity.
Happy Independence Day! Glory to Ukraine!
With profound respect,
Rinat Akhmetov
