Greetings of Secretary the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov on the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine

I congratulate you on the twenty-sixth anniversary of Independence of Ukraine!

Compared to many countries that lead the history of their independence for centuries, 26 years are not so much. If you compare this term with the average duration of human life, then 26 years can be a third of a life path - it is not that little?

During this time, Ukraine has suffered economic and political crises, gray "stagnant" times and a deadly danger to suffocate in the loophole of the Russian neo-empire. But despite all these challenges, our state has resisted. And most importantly - due to these enormous challenges, through blood, sufferings, in the battles for the native land, a Ukrainian nation was born! The nation that is capable of defending itself and winning the victory. The nation that is capable of forcing to reckon with its interests and plans.

Certainly, we still have a significant number of unresolved problems. There are many mistakes and shortcomings, but he who makes no mistake does nothing. History is not written by those who can only gloat, criticize and tell about other people's mistakes. History is not written by those who are unready to struggle and sacrifice themselves. The modern history of Ukraine and its future are made by those who can work hard, fight and create. Those are decisive, courageous, and hard-working Ukrainians who write the history of their state and create the future of Ukraine!

It is our common holiday, the holiday of Independent Ukraine, which we won and which we build together!

May God save Ukraine and every one of you!

Happy holiday!