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Turchynov congratulates Ukrainians on Independence Day

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov has congratulated Ukrainians on the Independence Day of Ukraine.

In his congratulatory message Turchynov stressed the continuity of Ukrainian statehood throughout the century since the proclamation of the independence of the Ukrainian People's Republic in 1918.

"This year marks the 100th anniversary of the declaration of Ukraine's independence. In the conditions of the Russian Bolshevik aggression, the young state - the Ukrainian People's Republic - achieved recognition in the world, approved the state symbols and borders. That time independence was lost. Political discord inside the country and the aggression of the Bolshevik Russia led to that the Ukrainians failed to preserve the integrity of the state, and the territory of Ukraine was occupied by the Soviet empire for almost 70 years," the congratulatory message reads, posted on the NSDC website on Friday morning.

Turchynov noted that "twenty-seven years ago, without fighting and blood, Ukraine restored its state sovereignty, and today we have to defend our independence with weapons in our arms. The Ukrainians, as a nation, toughened up, defending their own country and gaining victory."

"The word "independence" today is filled with the profound meaning of the desire for freedom and self-identity," he said.

The secretary of the National Security and Defense Council expressed confidence in the joint opportunity to change Ukraine for the better.

"Changes in the country always begin with changes in each of us. Change your home, change your yard, district and - country! Together we can protect and build a powerful European state we want to live in! Happy holiday! May God save and bless Ukraine and each of you!" the congratulatory letter reads.

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