Dear compatriots!

 

Today is 100 years since the beginning of a global military conflict of the XX century – World War I, which has taken millions of people’s lives.

Almost the entire territory of Ukraine, divided between rival empires, became the battleground of this war. The Ukrainians, who were forced to fight in the regular armies of states at the opposite sides of the front, have their own mournful count of huge losses in this tragedy.

An important lesson that we have to learn the bloody events of the beginning of the previous century is that only from independent, united and strong state is a guarantee of avoiding fratricidal confrontation in the wars fought by foreign states.

The World War I, October Coup in Russia caused by this war, and the struggle against the Bolshevik invasion were difficult strength test for Ukrainians. Our desire for freedom and restoration of statehood were not broken down by the famines (Holodomor) and repressions by the communist regime.

Now we again have to defend our independence with arms from foreign invasions, breaking the imperial ambitions of another country.

I am convinced that Ukrainian with their inherent love to freedom and patriotism will be able to defend their country, to restore and protect its territorial integrity.

We aim to continue to build our own country - an equal member of the great European family, which, after passing through the flame of wars and other calamities, have chosen the path of unity, peace, democracy and progress.

It is our duty to the future generations and to the memory of our compatriots, who have fallen in battle.

 

Glory to Ukraine!

 

Petro POROSHENKO