We will definitely never forget this Independence Day. Perhaps, for the first time in 31 years, we really felt what the price of freedom is. The real freedom, familiar and close to us. The freedom which was obtained in 1991, in the form of Ukraine’s separation from the Soviet Union, was chosen for us by the Sich Riflemen, rebels, political prisoners and dissidents in the XX century. The freedom that Cossacks, hetmans and chieftains won for us centuries before.
After 1991, we assumed that this freedom was given to us forever, that defending it would be no longer necessary. We began to build a new country, the country of the future – as it was seen by us and those generations who had passed on their Ukrainianness and love of freedom to us. And, it seems, we built it not in the worst way (although certainly, not without mistakes). The turning point was 2013 when we realized that we would be deprived of our freedom. This turned into the Revolution of Dignity, the cost of which was the lives of the Heavenly Hundred. And later, the lives of hundreds of soldiers who died in the 8-year epic called «ATO». For some reason, it was almost unreal to believe that the worst was yet to come.
However, as stated in our holiday newspaper by Ihor Yukhnovskyi, one of the creators of Ukraine at the turn of the century, all states that became independent, consolidated this independence in war. Today, we are on a path that has only one end – the consolidation of Ukraine’s independence forever.
We always lack time for sufficient reflections. That is why on the pages of this printed edition, you will read about those who encourage us to think about the deeper contexts of both our freedom and the meanings of this terrible and cynical aggression, that a ferocious neighbour in agony vents for the future of Ukraine.
«We should not take revenge, but fight for Ukraine,» – says father Mykhailo Dymyd, whose son Artemiy (nom de guerre «Kurka») tragically died on the battlefield in June this year. Despite the pain and sorrow in the family, he plans to go to the front to find out what his son’s death may bring for the future. The example of Dymyd’s father, as well as the example of Artemiy’s mother, Ivanka Krypyakevych-Dymyd, is a vivid testimony of the indomitable spirit of Ukrainians. And this is exactly what, according to the testimony of many analysts, is a prerequisite for victory in any war, especially in such an existential one.
At the same time, let’s remember that next to freedom, there always comes responsibility. We will definitely choose freedom. But in the future, we must be ready and continue to take responsibility every day, daily for many years, studying and remembering every heroic sacrifice to build the Ukraine for which our people have already paid a too high price.
«Tired by wars but not broken by anyone, bloom, oh my land.
Worn by hunger, but not conquered, let your nightingale’s song sound above the Dnieper...» [the lyrics of «Choven» (Boat), the song of cult Ukrainian band Okean Elzy.]
Translated by Vitalii Holich
The author’s column is a reflection of the author’s subjective position. The editors of «Tvoe Misto» do not always share the opinions expressed in the columns, and are ready to give those who disagree the opportunity for a reasoned answer.
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