We’re one family: EU Ambassador congratulates Ukrainians on Independence Day

Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine Matti Maasikas published a video address on the 31st anniversary of Ukraine's independence

Rubryka reports, referring to the ambassador's Twitter.

Maasikas noted that this anniversary is extraordinary, both joyful and tragic.

"It's a day of celebration. We celebrate your resilience through half a year of russia's atrocious full-scale invasion and eight years of aggression.

But it is also, like every day now, a day of sorrow-sorrow for those who have fallen, for those who were injured, became victims of russian atrocities, and who lost their loved ones and their homes.

This is the first Independence Day on which Ukraine is a candidate country for EU membership. Europe celebrates with you, and Europe grieves with you," the EU ambassador emphasized.

Maasikas noted how the European Union helps Ukraine with actual actions:

• Supporting war victims, providing vital services, and preserving normal life in Ukraine,
• Supporting the reforms necessary for Ukraine's accession to the EU, providing the opportunity for Ukrainians to temporarily live and work in EU countries,
• Providing billions of euros in aid to the Ukrainian army.

"The EU will continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against russia's aggression: during reconstruction and on your way to the EU because we are one family.

We share the same values ​​and want to live in democracy and prosperity, not in the darkness of totalitarianism.

Together we are Europe. Glory to Ukraine!" Matti Maasikas concluded.

As Rubryka reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed Ukrainians on Independence Day.

Also, Commander-in-Chief Valeri Zaluzhnyi conveyed congratulations from the Ukrainian military to Ukrainians.

We will remind you that on August 24, Ukraine celebrates its main holiday, Independence Day.

For the first time, it is being held in conditions of full-scale war, and all celebrations have been canceled due to the threat of missile attacks on Kyiv.

On this day in 1991, Ukrainian politicians signed the Act of Declaration of Independence. They hung their national flag in the session hall of the Verkhovna Rada building, marking their liberation from the Soviet Union.

The national holiday remembers all those who gave their lives for the Motherland, including those who are fighting today.