6 months of the 8-year war for independence, which has lasted 850 years... Happy 31st anniversary of Ukraine's Independence!

It has been 31 years since the ancient dream of Ukrainians came true - to be masters of their wonderful and magical land. Since the days of Kievan Rus, Ukrainians have sought to live freely, to practice their traditions and customs, but their eastern neighbors have always tried to take away Ukrainians' will and impose their own rules.

But 853 years ago, Kievan Rus was captured by "fraternal nations", and only the long struggle and suffering of many Ukrainians, millions of dedicated lives and the spilled blood of our ancestors allowed us to win the Independence of Ukraine 31 years ago.

Our generation also entered into a long-term struggle for Freedom and Liberty, and for 8 years and 6 months, in an open war with the country of slaves and freedom-haters, it is again fighting for the Independence of Ukraine. Only the unity of the entire people of Ukraine will be able to repel the onslaught of the enemy and win the struggle of civilization against the darkness of the Middle Ages, which in the 21st century is killing people for the right to live freely and have their own opinion.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valery Zaluzhnyi said the best about Independence today:

"How can you feel independence?

Those who fight for it know its taste. It is the taste of the earth that eats into the skin. The taste of blood and death permeates the air. The salty taste of tears.

Independence is a responsibility that rests on your shoulders. You lead into battle and you know that not everyone will return from it. Both the living and the dead remain with you forever. On conscience. And in memory.

Independence has a voice. This is the voice of the ancestors. They died in battles, in gulags, bloated from hunger and paved the roads of empires with their bones. It is the cry of mothers who are burying their children. The voice of those who in peaceful cities and villages are asking for help under the ruins of their destroyed homes. The voice of our children, who did not choose the time and place of birth, but who had to live during the Great War.

Independence is possible only when there are people ready to fight for it.

Thank you, defenders of Ukraine! It is an honor to serve with you.

Eternal memory to fallen heroes!

Eternal glory to the living!

Glory to Ukraine!"