On this 23rd anniversary of Ukrainian independence being marked on 24 August 2014 the Ukrainian people continue to face Russia’s unrelenting aggression as it attempts, yet again, to suppress the will of the Ukrainian people to live in a free, democratic and Euro-integrated Ukraine.
When Ukraine’s previous governing authorities refused to sign the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement as planned in November 2013, the Ukrainian people made their aspirations known and, at great cost, they brought about a historic change, including the signing of this agreement on 27 June 2014.
Russiawas not to tolerate this determination, forcefully annexing Crimea in March 2014 and sponsoring terrorist attacks in Eastern Ukraine while snubbing international reaction toRussia’s numerous violations of sovereign Ukrainian territory.
At this difficult time, remembering our nation’s tumultuous history, Ukrainians throughout the world must continue to work as a unified force with one goal in mind – preserving the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity ofUkraine.
On Independence Day let’s join in prayer to honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for Ukraine’s independence and for a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future forUkraineand its people.
On Independence Day let’s also wave a Ukrainian flag in support of a freeUkrainewith a much brighter future.
“With the inspirational words of the great poet Taras Shevchenko: “Fight – and you will be victorious!”, I greet, on behalf of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), on Ukraine’s Independence Day, the Hierarchs and Clergy of Ukrainian Churches, the President of Ukraine, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, all the brave men and women fighting for Ukraine’s independence, UWC member organizations and Ukrainians worldwide,” stated UWC President Eugene Czolij.
