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Ukraine celebrates its independence day today. The day coincides with three and a half years since Putin attempted to take all of Ukraine in a few days. Since then, Ukraine has been fighting for its independence, every single day.

Independence declared

The dissolution of the Soviet Empire finally made it possible for a number of former Soviet states to gain their independence. Ukraine was one of them. A referendum was held. The result of this referendum was unambiguous. Over 90% were in favor of independence from the Soviet Union (Russia). In all parts of the country there was a clear majority for independence. On the basis of this referendum, Ukraine declared itself a free country on August 24, 1991. This is Ukraine’s Independence Day.

Ukraine has seen its independence threatened. Right from the start, Russia tried to gain political control of the country, as it did in Belarus. In 2014, Russia took over the Crimean peninsula by force. They tried to do the same in Donbas. On February 24, 2022, Russia’s authoritarian President Vladimir Putin believed that Ukraine could be taken in a matter of days. He envisioned cheering crowds as Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine. What met Russia was a people determined to fight for their independence.

An independence day with meaning in the true sense of the word

While hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have sought refuge in other countries, the fight for Ukraine’s independence continues. The day is marked in several countries, in many cities. It is marked by both Ukrainians and locals showing their support for Ukraine.

Ukraine’s independence is not just a question of a country’s right to exist. It is the people’s right to say, think and believe what they want. It is democracy against Putin’s dictatorship. Ukraine’s independence is also a fight for its own language, culture and identity. Putin is trying by all means to erase Ukraine’s culture and language. Children in the occupied territories are subjected to brainwashing and deliberate erasure of Ukrainian culture. 19,500 children are estimated to have been directly kidnapped by Russia. Taken away from Ukrainian parents, many of them are adopted to Russian families, even more are on lists of children who need a foster home.

Europe against Putin

Europe looks to Ukraine, supporting them in the fight against Putin’s dictatorship. Ukraine’s independence is also a question of Europe’s future and security. Putin is unlikely to stop if he succeeds in taking Ukraine by military force. The question then is who is the next country out.

Europe provides arms and other aid to Ukraine. It is Europe that must thank Ukraine. The struggle they are waging is also a struggle for Europe’s independence. My hope is that in a year’s time, Ukraine will be able to celebrate its independence day as a united country, without war. A country where Russia has withdrawn from all occupied territories and where the kidnapped children have been returned to Ukraine.

Sources:

Wikipedia: Child abductions in the Russo-Ukrainian War

Wikipedia: Independence Day of Ukraine

President of Ukraine: Address by the President on Ukraine’s Independence Day