President Selenskyj Appeals for Ukrainian Unity on Independence Day

President Selenskyj Appeals for Ukrainian Unity on Independence Day

President Volodymyr Selenskyj of Ukraine appealed for unity among Ukrainians in their battle against Russian aggressors on the occasion of the country’s 32nd Independence Day.

“In a great war, there are no small things. Nothing is unimportant. Nobody is unimportant. This applies to both individuals and their actions and words,” emphasized the head of state in a video message. He expressed gratitude, specifically to soldiers, arms workers, electricians, journalists, deminers, teachers, healthcare workers, and athletes for their efforts and remembered the sacrifices made.

“Everyone matters, those who work and those who provide work for others. Those who pay taxes which ensure our armed forces, defense, progress, and future victory,” Selenskyj stressed.

Scholz and Baerbock pledge support

Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock used the occasion of Ukraine’s second National Day since the start of the Russian war of aggression as an opportunity to assure continued support for Ukraine.

Scholz directly addressed Ukrainian President Selenskyj on the online platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We stand by your side.” Baerbock said in Berlin that Germany must support Ukraine “with everything we have.”

“Today, you celebrate the independence and freedom of your nation. These are precisely the values that your entire country defends in its brave fight against brutal Russian aggression,” Scholz wrote. “We admire your courage and strength.”

Baerbock condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, describing it as “one and a half years of bombing terror, suffering, and fear for the people in Ukraine.” She spoke of a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin “trampled on the UN Charter.” Germany will continue to support Ukraine “in its right to self-defense, its right to live in peace and freedom.”

On August 24, 1991, Ukraine declared independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union.