Prime Minister sends Independence Day greetings to Ukraine
The 24th of August is the Independence Day of Ukraine. It also marks six months since the start of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine.
‘It has been half a year of all-encompassing destruction and havoc caused by the unprovoked, reckless Russian war, which has taken the lives of thousands of Ukrainians - soldiers and civilians, forcing millions to flee their homes. Feel as we do the effects of war, we nevertheless watch its horrors from the safety of our homes, close to our loved ones, knowing that tomorrow will be like today, and in the presence of war nearby, this becomes a reality to be cherished. Everyday images of war can frighten us and make us shut off from them in our daily routines. But let us not do this because Ukraine continues the fight, which has already crushed the aggressor’s expectations of an easy and quick victory. The aggressor also expects something else - that the Western countries supporting Ukraine’s independence will fall into fatigue, lose their resolve, perhaps play against each other and support the Ukrainians only through words but not deeds. Even if there were those who doubted our unity and solidarity, the last six months proved the opposite. Let us continue like this so that the victory of Ukraine, and of all of us to that matter, dawn as soon as possible.
After six months of heroic defence efforts against a new wave of Russian aggression, this Independence Day has no doubt a special meaning for Ukrainians. Freedom is celebrated in Kyiv today only thanks to brave and self-sacrificing people. This battle shows to the entire civilized world that it is possible to resist a much larger military power when you are on the side of truth and justice’, said Head of Government Ingrida Šimonytė conveying greetings to Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.
According to the Prime Minister, as a candidate for European Union membership, Ukraine has showed an incredible will to mobilise efforts for long-term goals and European future, even during the war. The Prime Minister has assured that Lithuania will be with the Ukrainians on this path, providing and mobilizing all possible support so that Ukraine becomes a member of the European Union as soon as possible.