The fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Twelve years of the modern Russian–Ukrainian war. Russia counted on breaking us in a matter of days. But Ukraine stood firm. Throughout all these years, we have not had enough time for deep reflection on how the war has changed us as a nation – we simply didn’t have a second to spare because we had to fight. We had to defend Ukraine. These years have tested not only our army, but the entire country. Our economy. Our institutions. Our society. Our ability to remain united in the most difficult moments. We have suffered great losses. But we have preserved what matters most – our statehood and our agency. At last, we stood up for Ukraine as no one ever had before because we knew: here is our home, here is everything that is ours – every last bit of it. Today, we have one of the most technologically advanced and combat-ready armies in the world. We have the support of our partners. We have every chance to secure the future our children deserve. And we also have our memory. Memory of the fallen warriors – the sons and daughters of our people, as well as the brave foreigners who answered Kyiv’s call for help and gave their lives in the fight for our shared values of freedom and for the noble choice to oppose barbarism. Memory is our resource for resilience and wisdom in these historic times for Ukraine and for the entire world. What we must not have are illusions about our enemy – illusions that this will be easy. We must live in reality, where each day we so desperately need that same sense of a shoulder beside us. Perhaps that is the most important lesson of the Russian–Ukrainian war: our strength lies in unity. Only together can we be a strong state in the struggle for independence. Respect to all who stand shoulder to shoulder, holding up Ukraine; to all who take pride in calling themselves citizens of a state that, despite all the grim predictions in February 2022, continues to fight for its future and defend its national interests. Ukraine stands strong! Glory to Ukraine!
