Follow Us on Google
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, has said that Russia is waging not simply a war for territory against Ukraine, but seeking to deny the very right of the Ukrainian state and the Ukrainian nation to exist.
Kholostenko stated this in a statement issued in Abuja to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s independence.
The Ukrainian envoy also said it was for that reason that for Ukrainians, the war is a war for independence and for the right to remain who they are, to live in their own state, and to pass it on, free, to future generations.
He further said that for Ukrainians, the date is not simply a date on the calendar, nor merely the anniversary of a decision adopted in 1991, but a day that embodied the centuries-long aspiration of the Ukrainian people to live freely, in their own state, and to determine their own future.
Kholostenko said: “On August 24, Ukraine marks the 35th anniversary of the restoration of its independence. For us, this is not simply a date on the calendar, nor merely the anniversary of a decision adopted in 1991. It is a day that embodies the centuries-long aspiration of the Ukrainian people to live freely, in their own state, and to determine their own future.
“Ukrainian statehood did not begin in 1991. Modern Ukraine is the heir to more than a thousand years of state-building tradition – from Kyivan Rus and the Cossack state to the Ukrainian People’s Republic and the many generations of Ukrainians who fought for freedom under empires and totalitarian regimes. This is why we speak not simply of the proclamation, but of the restoration of Ukraine’s independence.
“On January 22, 1918, the Ukrainian People’s Republic proclaimed its independence. More than seven decades later, on August 24, 1991, Ukrainians restored their state, and on December 1 confirmed this choice in a nationwide referendum. Independence was supported by 90.32 percent of those who took part in the vote. It received support in every region of Ukraine – from Lviv to Donbas, from Kyiv to Crimea. It was the free and unequivocal choice of the Ukrainian people.
“Our independence has never been a gift. Ukrainian dissidents paid for it with their freedom, soldiers of different generations with their lives, and millions of people with their daily efforts to preserve the Ukrainian language, culture and identity at times when even the very possibility of being Ukrainian was under attack.
“Today, this struggle continues. Russia is waging not simply a war for territory against Ukraine. It is seeking to deny the very right of the Ukrainian state and the Ukrainian nation to exist. That is why, for us, this war is a war for independence – for the right to remain who we are, to live in our own state, and to pass it on, free, to future generations.”
The Ukrainian envoy added that at the moment, Ukrainians are proving with their own lives a simple truth that no empire has the right to decide the fate of independent nations.
“But for us, independence is not only about struggle. It is also a daily responsibility. While our soldiers defend the country on the front line, Ukrainians rebuild what has been destroyed, educate children, work, develop new technologies, volunteer, save lives and support one another. This is how independence gains real meaning every single day.
“Ukraine seeks a just and lasting peace and remains ready to take meaningful and realistic steps to achieve it. But peace cannot be built by rewarding aggression. For Russia to end this war, international pressure must increase. Stronger sanctions, continued military assistance to Ukraine, and greater protection of our cities against Russian missile attacks remain essential,” he stated.
While expressing gratitude to every country, every nation and every person who continues to stand with Ukraine, Kholostenko said that every air defence system, every package of assistance and every political decision in defence of international law meant lives saved and brought a just peace closer.
“Today, Ukraine is not only defending its own independence. It is also making a direct contribution to international stability. The Ukrainian Armed Forces, our defence technologies, unique battlefield experience and innovations have already made Ukraine an important security partner.
“On Independence Day, above all, we bow our heads in memory of those who gave their lives for our independence and thank those who are defending it today.
“Thirty-five years ago, Ukrainians confirmed their choice before the world. Today, they are defending that choice with arms in their hands.
“Ukraine’s independence was, is, and will remain irreversible.
Glory to Ukraine!” Kholostenko concluded.
Speaking earlier during the opening of the exhibition dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s independence, Kholostenko said the exhibition was opened in dedication to Ukrainian culture, history, and its people’s struggle for freedom.
He also said it was important to present Ukraine not only through the events of today, adding that Ukrainian history spanned centuries as its culture had deep roots, and the aspiration for freedom and statehood has been passed down from generation to generation.
“That is why this exhibition brings together traditional artefacts of Ukrainian culture, photographs documenting the realities of Russia’s war against Ukraine, as well as patches and flags of Ukrainian military units that are defending our independence today.
“The central element of the exhibition is the interactive installation “Puzzle of Unity: Mapping Ukraine’s Identity through Culture and History.”
“It takes the form of a map of Ukraine made up of 20 puzzle pieces. Each of them tells a different story about Ukraine – about our remarkable people, architecture, art, traditions, inventions, and events that have shaped Ukrainian national identity over the centuries.
“The front side of each piece features artwork by contemporary Ukrainian artists Sestry Feldman, while the reverse presents stories that help visitors better understand Ukrainian culture and its historical context. By assembling the puzzle, visitors literally put Ukraine together while discovering the diversity of its regions.
“For me, this map carries a special symbolism. Ukraine is made up of different regions, traditions, cultural features, and histories, but all of them are parts of one whole. None of these pieces can be taken away by force, redrawn, or declared to belong to someone else.
“That is why today, amid Russia’s aggression, this simple image of a puzzle has acquired a much deeper meaning. Russia is seeking not only to seize Ukrainian territory. It is also trying to erase our historical memory, appropriate our culture, deny our identity, and challenge the very right of Ukrainians to determine their own future.
“This map has become a symbol of the resilience of Ukrainians and their categorical rejection of the idea that anyone can change the borders of their country by force. Ukraine is and will remain united – in all its cultural, historical, and regional diversity,” Kholostenko further said.
