Address of Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov on the occasion of the Day of Dignity and Freedom

November, 21. The Revolution of Dignity began three years ago. On that day, November 21, people gathered on the Independence Square because they couldn't act otherwise. On the eve Yanukovych gave the order to Azarov to stop the "pro-European chatter". Don't waste paint on the painting of the facade with European stars, and on the contrary, with no cloaking, to move Ukraine to "Tayozhny" (Customs) Union, making our country not only de facto but also de jure one of the colonies of brutal, dirty, unkempt Russia.

Nobody wanted to ask Ukrainians whether they want to Russia again. Just the same situation as before the signing of the infamous Kharkiv agreements, which extend the deployment of the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea and give the right to Russian soldiers to walk free around the peninsula with weapons.

Three years ago we went to the Independence Square to defend our choice, to get the opportunity to build a civilized, European, democratic and free Ukraine. We went to the Independence Square because we wanted to be seen and heard. We wanted to change the country and were not going to retreat. Each day was for us as the last one.

First there were hundreds people who were supported than by thousands people, but after trying to disperse the rally with batons, beating up the students, hundreds thousands and millions of people came also to the demonstration. Nothing could resist the will of millions people - no guns, no force, no deceit. Maidan won - the Revolution of Dignity won! For this win we had to pay a terrible price - the price of life of the best sons and daughters of Ukraine. Eternal memory to the Heroes who gave their lives for our freedom!

The experience of the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity proves that neither money nor party conjuncture or political interests can arrange Maidan. Only people and their will are able to create the real Maidan and true Revolution. And, everyone who tries to rig the Maidan, creating artificial tracing, to subordinate it to their ambitions and interests, will fail. Maidan is the will and soul of people. It is impossible to forge, stop or destroy it!

Congratulations to the Day of Dignity and Freedom!