Kuzmenko Andrii
August 24 marks Ukraine’s Independence Day. Thirty-four years ago, Ukrainians restored the state’s independence, following a thousand-year-old history of statehood dating back to the ancient Rus. We have been building upon the country’s strength and resilience ever since.
Ukraine’s independence is a settled fact and a historical achievement. It is the freely chosen and most precious possession of the Ukrainian people. Modern Ukraine rests on a millennium of statehood—from the formation of Kyivan Rus in the 9th century, through the development of the Ukrainian language, the creation of the Cyrillic alphabet, and the adoption of national symbols such as the trident and the national currency, the hryvnia. The name “Ukraine” is recorded as far back as 1187.
Ukraine is united in its diversity—and it’s part of our strength. The country is full of beauty, courage, and words of gratitude, with love, volia, and a sense of freedom. Ukrainians treasure and defend it in every part of our country with unwavering resolve.
History shows that Ukraine is the legitimate heir to the state and cultural traditions of Rus. The events of 1991 marked the restoration of Ukrainian statehood, following the independence of the Ukrainian People’s Republic, which had been suppressed by the Bolshevik regime in the early 20th century. That year, the peoples long oppressed under the Soviet system reclaimed freedom, and Ukraine regained independence thanks to its centuries-old desire for liberty. The adoption of the Declaration of Independence on August 24, 1991, formalised the Ukrainian people’s right to self-determination.
When we stand for freedom, we uphold the right to honour our past and shape our future. We defend our home, our safety, our voice to speak the truth, and our democracy. Ukrainians prove their independence every day, not only on Independence Day. Today, we celebrate, and each day we stand for freedom and fight for our independence—neither is a given. Our values require strength and daily dedication. For these, we thank our defenders, who are committed to protecting the future.
Since 2014, Ukraine has faced challenges to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The full-scale invasion launched by the Russian Federation on February 24, 2022, marked a critical moment in the struggle to protect Ukraine’s independence and the democratic aspirations of its people. In this existential struggle, Ukraine is growing stronger and more resilient. We are reinforcing our army, deepening our military traditions, and cementing our will to win. Our history is inseparable from the development of the Ukrainian military. Today’s defenders of Ukraine are the heirs of warriors from Kyivan Rus, the Cossacks, the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen, and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). The modern Armed Forces of Ukraine and other security structures hold back the aggressor, defend our sovereignty and independence, and prove that Ukrainians are a nation of courageous, unbroken people. We remember the price paid by the fallen soldiers in the fight for our independence and freedom. We thank every Ukrainian working towards a better future and every partner supporting Ukraine and upholding our shared values. Ukraine’s courageous men and women not only fight for the safety of their country but also contribute to European and global security.
Even in the harshest historical circumstances, Ukrainians have always defended their freedom, their truth, and their homeland. Today, national unity is crucial. Past experience shows that only a united Ukrainian nation can preserve independence and succeed. A strong, independent Ukraine serves the interest of the world. Defending our independence today safeguards not only our people but also the peoples of Europe and all civilized nations. Ukraine has the right to full support from the international community in resisting aggression and to the unwavering solidarity of all democratic countries.
Ukraine’s independence is a beacon of freedom. The victory of Ukraine in this struggle will open the path to liberty and democratic development for the peoples of Europe and beyond, strengthen democratic systems across the continent, and reinforce the values of freedom and peace worldwide. Our mission is to complete the journey started in 1991: to liberate all occupied territories and secure a Ukraine that is safe, democratic, and sovereign. Only with peace, democracy, and security can Ukraine and all of Europe thrive.
The writer is Ambassador of Ukraine to Qatar.
