In the midst of challenging trials for our country, we more than ever realize how valuable independence is to every free individual. Ukraine and millions of our citizens are paying a very high price today to preserve it. At the same time, we demonstrate an extraordinarily high unity and mutual support, courage, and readiness to fight until victory for every inch of our land.

Ukraine is an example today for the entire free world. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are a model of heroism on the battlefield. The entire Ukrainian nation and our numerous diaspora around the world are symbols of unyieldingness and daily meticulous work towards victory in the decisive war for independence. I am proud that our football community is an active participant in defending our homeland on all fronts!

Football players, referees, coaches, managers, administrators, and medical staff of football teams have joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, participate in volunteer efforts, help internally displaced persons and veterans of football. From the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion, the Coordination Center of the Ukrainian Football Association and humanitarian hubs of regional associations have been working. We together with support from our foreign partners, UEFA and FIFA are helping evacuate thousands of young football players from conflict zones, providing assistance to internally displaced persons, military personnel, and medics. And simultaneously we worked together on preserving and reviving beloved football.

Together, with the support of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi and in close cooperation with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, MVS, Ministry of Youth and Sports, UPL, PFL, and local authorities, we launched a special championship for the 2022/2023 season, a championship under conditions of full-scale war against war. Football supports and inspires our military personnel and millions of fans. And football will be one of the tools to achieve our victory! Because all of us together — one boldness!

Sincerely wishing you peace, good health, and victory for Ukraine!

With Ukraine's Independence Day! Glory to the Heroes! Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine!

Best regards, President of the Ukrainian Football Association, UEFA Executive Committee member Andriy Pavelko