"Free people of independent Ukraine!"

And that says it all. Just four words, but how much they mean today. On the 182nd day of full-scale war. How many symbols and meanings, feats and losses, joys and pains are in these words. But most importantly — how much truth is there. Our truth. The truth about our present that cannot be disputed because it cannot be unseen or denied. We — the free people of independent Ukraine. After six months when they tried to destroy us, we — the free people of independent Ukraine. And this is the truth about our future. Free people of independent Ukraine.

Six months ago Russia declared war on us. On February 24th, all of Ukraine heard explosions and gunfire. And August 24th was not meant to hear words like "Happy Independence Day!" On February 24th they told us: "You have no chance." On August 24th we say: "Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!"

Over these six months we changed history, changed the world and changed ourselves. Now we know exactly who is truly our brother or sister, and who is not even an accidental acquaintance. Who did not lose their name and reputation, and who survived so that terrorists could keep their faces. Whose doors are really open for us. We understood who is who. And the whole world learned who Ukrainians are. And what Ukraine is. No one will ever say about it again: "It's somewhere near Russia."

We started respecting ourselves. Understood that no matter how much help and support we receive, only we can win our independence. And we united.

We did not yet have «HIMARS», but we had people ready to stop tanks with bare hands. We were not prepared to close the sky, but we had people willing to protect their homeland with their lives.

The Ukrainian nation and its courage inspired the whole world. Gave humanity a new hope that justice has not finally abandoned our cynical world. And in it, truth still triumphs over might. Not money, but values. Not oil, but people.

Yesterday the world was not united. COVID-19 clearly showed: every man for himself. In six months Ukraine changed that. There will be a chapter titled «The Time When Ukraine United the World» in all global history textbooks. When democracy grew teeth again. When tyranny receives an answer in its own language.

Someone said: "Europe is no longer a player." Weak, divided, passive, sleepy. Ukraine galvanized the entire continent. Europe takes to the streets. Europe imposes harsh sanctions. Europe unanimously acknowledges: Ukraine — future member of the European Union.

Big business understood that money does indeed smell. Of blood, sweat, death. Corporations and brands are leaving the Russian market, and people have become more important than potential losses.

Never before in the world has public opinion had such an impact on politicians. Today, people dictate to governments trends and rules of behavior. Being indifferent, inactive, slow is shameful. Being indecisive and overly cautious — is shameful. Speaking vaguely, ambiguously, and too diplomatically — is shameful. Not supporting Ukraine — is shameful. And saying that you are tired of Ukraine — is shameful. This is a very convenient position — being tired, it's an excuse to close your eyes. And today we hear from world leaders and ordinary citizens: "We will be with you until the end, until your victory."

Dear people!

We have always honored all freedom fighters, called this day our main holiday, and the blue-yellow flag — a shrine. We would place our hand on our heart while singing the anthem, proudly proclaiming "Glory to Ukraine!" and "Heroes Glory!"

On February 24th we had to prove our words with actions. On this day, in fact, the second all-Ukrainian referendum took place. Again — the main question. Again — a decisive choice. But this time saying "yes" to independence required not just a ballot but also a heart and conscience. Going not to polling stations but to recruitment offices, territorial defense, volunteer movements, information warfare or simply steadfastly and diligently working at our posts with full force for the common goal.

We have all changed. Someone was reborn. As a person, personality, citizen, patriot, just as an Ukrainian. And this is certainly good news. Someone disappeared. Did not die or perish but dissolved. As a person, personality, citizen, as an Ukrainian. And this too is actually not bad news. We no longer hinder each other. We made our choice. For some it's Mariupol. For others — Monaco.

But we know who there are more of. And we have finally become truly united. A new nation that appeared in the world on February 24th, at 4 am. Not born but reborn. A nation that did not cry or scream or panic. Did not flee. Did not surrender. And did not forget.

This flag will be everywhere it rightfully belongs. In Donbas and in Crimea. The enemy thought we would welcome them with flowers and champagne. Instead, they received wreaths and Molotov cocktails. Expected applause but heard "boos."

The occupier believed that within a few days he would march through the center of our capital. Today on Khreshchatyk you can see this «parade». Proof that enemy equipment can appear in the heart of Kyiv only in such form. Burned, destroyed and ruined.

We don't care what kind of army you have, we care about our land. We will fight for it to the end.

We have held on for six months. It's hard but we clench our fists and bite off our share. Each new day is a new reason not to give up. Because having gone through so much, we don't have the right to stop short of the end.

What does the end of war mean for us? Before we talked about peace. Now we say — victory.

We will not seek understanding with terrorists. Though we understand the Russian language you came to defend. And killed thousands of people you were supposed to liberate.

And Johnson, who speaks English, is much more understandable and closer to us than the killers, rapists, and looters who did all this in Russian.

We will not sit at negotiation tables out of fear, with a gun to our heads. For us, the worst chains are not rockets, planes, tanks, but handcuffs. Not trenches, but shackles.

And we will raise our hands only once — when celebrating our victory. By all Ukraine. Because we do not trade away our land or people. For us, Ukraine is the whole of Ukraine. All 25 regions, without any concessions or compromises. We don't know these words, they were destroyed by rockets on February 24th.

Donbas — this is Ukraine. And we will return it, whatever the path may be. Crimea — this is Ukraine. And we will return it too. Whatever the path may be.

Do not want your soldiers to die? Free our lands. Do not want your mothers to cry? Free our lands. That's our simple and clear condition.

Free people of independent Ukraine!

We are meeting this day in different places. Some — in trenches and dugouts, in tanks and BMPs, at sea and in the air. Fighting for independence on the front lines. Some — on the road, in cars, trucks and trains. Fighting for independence by delivering what is needed to those on the front lines. And some — on smartphones or computers. Also fighting for independence — collecting money so that those on the road have something to deliver to those at the front.

We are meeting this day in different circumstances and even time zones, but with one goal — preserving our independence and Ukraine's victory!

We united.

Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!