Former US Special Representative for Ukraine Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, on the eve of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, acknowledged the contribution of Ukrainian veterans in the fight for freedom and assured that veteran experience will help build a more resilient and cohesive nation.
"To every veteran who is here today and across the country: you are the reason why Ukraine still stands. You are the reason why the world knows your flag. Knows your anthem. Knows your unbroken spirit. When one Ukrainian says "Glory to Ukraine", the world answers "To the heroes – glory!," he said at the "35 Years of Faith and Freedom" forum in Kyiv on Sunday, an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent reports.
Kellogg called for a commitment to "take care of those who took care of us," highlighting the importance of proper medical care, psychological support, fair recognition, and assistance for veterans.
"A nation that forgets its defenders and its heroes forgets itself," the general emphasized.
Kellogg stressed that on February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion "with the goal of erasing Ukraine from the map; the world expected Kyiv to fall in three days, but instead Ukrainians stood firm."
"And at the center of this resistance were the veterans – men and women who had already been defending their sovereignty since 2014. And millions of others answered the call. Your veterans are the living embodiment of Ukraine’s will to be free. Men who held the defense in Donbas, who liberated Kherson and Kharkiv, who turned the tide of the war when no one believed it anymore. Women who served in the infantry, as snipers, drone operators, medics, and commanders," Kellogg noted.
He noted that Ukrainian veterans fought not for glory or conquest, but so that Ukraine would remain Ukraine.
"So that your children could speak Ukrainian. So that they could celebrate their birthdays, their holidays, and choose their own future without dictatorship from Moscow. They put their lives, their health, their youth on the line," the general said.
He emphasized that the name of every fallen soldier is remembered, because "freedom is not an abstraction. It is bought with blood and bought with determination."
At the same time, Kellogg stressed that veterans play an important role in the reconstruction of Ukraine, and their experience will help build a more resilient and cohesive nation.
"But veterans do not only defend. They build. When this war eventually ends – as all wars end – millions of veterans will return to civilian life. They will lead the government, they will lead businesses, and they will lead their communities. Programs are already preparing them for post-war leadership. Because the same discipline and the same sacrifice that saved Ukraine will rebuild it stronger than ever before," Kellogg expressed confidence.
On the eve of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence, the general noted that thirty-five years ago, Ukrainians chose freedom.
"Today you defend it. Tomorrow you will build upon it. Ukraine’s independence is not a gift. It is a promise kept by every man and every woman who stood up [to defend it – IF-U] when it mattered most," he stated.
