Together we will surely endure
Sunday, August 24, 2025
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Address of FC Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov to Ukrainians on the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine
Dear Ukrainians!
34 years ago, Ukraine took the only right and decisive step – declaring its Independence. This decision determined our future, became a symbol of the nation’s resilience and strength, and showed that freedom is our inalienable choice.
For 11 years now, we have been forced to defend this choice in a brutal war, paying a high price for it. We are defending our home, our land, our right to be Ukrainians. Every day, we prove to the world that our freedom cannot be taken away.
Today, as every day, our thoughts are with those who bravely defend our country, protecting Ukrainian land from the aggressor.
We deeply honour those who will never return from the battlefield, having given the most precious thing – their lives – for Ukraine. Their heroism will forever remain in our hearts and in the memory of generations.
I thank everyone who contributes to Victory – those on the front lines, and those in the rear strengthening the economy, supporting one another and helping our country fight and live every day.
Independence is responsibility. Responsibility for our future and the future of our children. And despite the fact that the war tests us daily with the harshest challenges, I am confident: together we will surely endure and build a strong, just and prosperous Ukraine.
I sincerely wish for all of us that next Independence Day we celebrate under a peaceful sky.
Happy Independence Day! Glory to Ukraine!
With deepest respect,
Rinat Akhmetov
34 years ago, Ukraine took the only right and decisive step – declaring its Independence. This decision determined our future, became a symbol of the nation’s resilience and strength, and showed that freedom is our inalienable choice.
For 11 years now, we have been forced to defend this choice in a brutal war, paying a high price for it. We are defending our home, our land, our right to be Ukrainians. Every day, we prove to the world that our freedom cannot be taken away.
Today, as every day, our thoughts are with those who bravely defend our country, protecting Ukrainian land from the aggressor.
We deeply honour those who will never return from the battlefield, having given the most precious thing – their lives – for Ukraine. Their heroism will forever remain in our hearts and in the memory of generations.
I thank everyone who contributes to Victory – those on the front lines, and those in the rear strengthening the economy, supporting one another and helping our country fight and live every day.
Independence is responsibility. Responsibility for our future and the future of our children. And despite the fact that the war tests us daily with the harshest challenges, I am confident: together we will surely endure and build a strong, just and prosperous Ukraine.
I sincerely wish for all of us that next Independence Day we celebrate under a peaceful sky.
Happy Independence Day! Glory to Ukraine!
With deepest respect,
Rinat Akhmetov