Following is a statement from Patriot Defence, issued on August 24, on the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day. For more information on this humanitarian initiative – whose mission “is to systematically develop tactical medicine and emergency medical care in Ukraine by offering training in new methods, perfecting skills and improving medical bases which when taken together will create a qualitative new Ukrainian medical system” – readers may visit the website www.patriotdefence.org.)
Today is the 27th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. That our country with a thousand-year history is thought to be so young, is a paradox. A wealthy country, with its ups and downs, heroes and enemies. And yet, its history is still in the making.
It is widely believed that real independence was won during the 2013-2014 Revolution of Dignity, when people protested against dictatorship and held fast to their true values. At the same time, the enemy struck us cowardly in the back, trying to stop success as we strive for a better life.
Revived by the efforts of the entire nation, the Ukrainian army and volunteer battalions have been defending us as we sleep safely, for over four years now.
Yet far beyond the contact line, another struggle continues: be it for modern first aid kits for the military, supporting them with what they need to defend our freedom, or be it fair courts, smooth roads, the absence of corruption in universities, hospitals, or simply to lead a normal life.
In the safe haven of the cities far from the front, the colors may not be clear – there’s no black and white, it’s not always clear who the enemy is and who is a friend. Hundreds of shades distort reality, changing concepts, hiding behind masks, and the reincarnation of all the same enemies shout at us from the headlines with fake news, propaganda and manipulation, while fifth columnists create a “Ukrainian Choice.”
As we enter the fifth year of war and memories fade, we grow accustomed to circumstance. But here, far from harm, there are enough soldiers and volunteers who continue the struggle on the cultural and informational fronts, the Cabinet wars have started. This confrontation is against social indifference, personal irresponsibility and saboteurs of change.
Hiding and refusing to be at the forefront of change is an act of evil. Only the cowards surrender and embrace the eastern neighbor and its fifth column. Everyone must embrace the fight for victory. Do this and become that person worthy of our history.
It is up to us to choose whether the 28th, 50th or 100th Independence Day of Ukraine will happen, whether we will act and move the common cause. “Indolence is the greatest sin,” [the fictional character] Baba Prisya warned.
Ukrainian Kozaks laughed in the face of death, and in the same way we have to harness our will power, keep pace and be steadfast in our purpose: the building of a Ukrainian independent unified state, one long-awaited by hundreds of heroes who came before us, one worthy of contemporaries and future generations, an always free and independent state.
Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!