Happy Independence Day!
Monday, August 24, 2026
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FC Shakhtar President Rinat Akhmetov addresses his compatriots on the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence
Dear Ukrainians!
Today marks 35 years of our independence.
Each generation gives it its own meaning. Our generation has been called upon to defend it – with our courage, resilience and hard work, through our daily choice to stand with Ukraine and believe in it.
For more than 12 years, our country and each of us have been facing the greatest challenge – war. It has already brought, and continues to bring, pain and irreparable loss, changing the lives of millions of people. But it is precisely through this ordeal that the true strength of the Ukrainian nation has been revealed.
Today, the whole world knows: Ukraine cannot be intimidated or broken. We have an army that has become a symbol of courage and resilience for the whole world and of which the entire country is proud. Ukrainians have once again proved that they can unite, support one another, work and make decisions every day – to continue the fight even in the most difficult times.
Today, we once again thank our defenders. Thank you for your courage, thanks to which Ukraine stands. For every Ukrainian city that has been defended and liberated. For every new day of our country.
We honour the memory of the fallen heroes and all those whose lives have been taken by this war. Our duty to them is to preserve Ukraine, for whose freedom they fought, and make it strong and worthy of their sacrifice.
Today, each of us has an important part to play. Everyone, in their own place, can and must make our country stronger, bring victory and a just peace closer. To shape Ukraine’s future today. To build a state capable of defending itself. An economy that ensures the country’s resilience. A society that respects and supports its defenders. A Ukraine that people want to return to, where they want to live, where children’s mornings begin not with an air-raid alert, but with school, friends and plans for the future.
A strong, free, European Ukraine. That is how I see our country after Victory.
Victory demands strength from us. But peace will require no less strength. We have to rebuild our country. I am convinced: together, we can do it.
I wish us all patience and unity. The return of our loved ones and family members. A lasting and just peace for our country. And may every year of independence that follows become a year of new opportunities, development and prosperity for Ukraine.
Happy Independence Day! Glory to Ukraine!
With deepest respect,
Rinat Akhmetov
Today marks 35 years of our independence.
Each generation gives it its own meaning. Our generation has been called upon to defend it – with our courage, resilience and hard work, through our daily choice to stand with Ukraine and believe in it.
For more than 12 years, our country and each of us have been facing the greatest challenge – war. It has already brought, and continues to bring, pain and irreparable loss, changing the lives of millions of people. But it is precisely through this ordeal that the true strength of the Ukrainian nation has been revealed.
Today, the whole world knows: Ukraine cannot be intimidated or broken. We have an army that has become a symbol of courage and resilience for the whole world and of which the entire country is proud. Ukrainians have once again proved that they can unite, support one another, work and make decisions every day – to continue the fight even in the most difficult times.
Today, we once again thank our defenders. Thank you for your courage, thanks to which Ukraine stands. For every Ukrainian city that has been defended and liberated. For every new day of our country.
We honour the memory of the fallen heroes and all those whose lives have been taken by this war. Our duty to them is to preserve Ukraine, for whose freedom they fought, and make it strong and worthy of their sacrifice.
Today, each of us has an important part to play. Everyone, in their own place, can and must make our country stronger, bring victory and a just peace closer. To shape Ukraine’s future today. To build a state capable of defending itself. An economy that ensures the country’s resilience. A society that respects and supports its defenders. A Ukraine that people want to return to, where they want to live, where children’s mornings begin not with an air-raid alert, but with school, friends and plans for the future.
A strong, free, European Ukraine. That is how I see our country after Victory.
Victory demands strength from us. But peace will require no less strength. We have to rebuild our country. I am convinced: together, we can do it.
I wish us all patience and unity. The return of our loved ones and family members. A lasting and just peace for our country. And may every year of independence that follows become a year of new opportunities, development and prosperity for Ukraine.
Happy Independence Day! Glory to Ukraine!
With deepest respect,
Rinat Akhmetov