Today Ukraine celebrates Ukrainian Statehood Day. This day reminds us of our thousand-year history and the unbreakable spirit of our nation.
Ukrainian Statehood Day highlights our deep roots that go back to the times of Kyivan Rus. In a time when our enemies try to deny our right to exist, this holiday is a reminder of the strong connection between Ukraine's past and present, our state-building traditions, and our strength.
Ukraine's rich heritage:
🟢From Kyivan Rus:
- The trident, the family emblem of the Rurik dynasty, became the national coat of arms of modern Ukraine.
- The name of our currency, the hryvnia, dates back to Kyivan Rus.
- Kyiv has been the capital and the political and cultural center of Ukrainian lands for over a thousand years.
- Our civilizational choice was solidified with the adoption of Christianity in 988 AD.
- The name "Ukraine" was first mentioned in the Hypatian Chronicle in 1187.
🟢From the Galician-Volhynian State:
- The blue and yellow colors of our national flag come from the heraldic colors of the Galician-Volhynian principality.
- The European development direction was solidified.
🟢From the Grand Duchy of Lithuania:
- Magdeburg Law, a European tradition of urban self-government.
- The Peresopnytsia Gospel, one of the first translations of biblical texts into Old Ukrainian literary language.
🟢From the Cossack era:
- Republican traditions of people’s governance.
- Military traditions that laid the foundation for the armed forces of the Ukrainian People's Republic (UNR) and later liberation movements.
- One of the earliest European constitutions of the modern era, created by Pylyp Orlyk in 1710.
🟢From early 20th-century Ukrainian statehood:
- Democratic principles of state-building.
- The first parliament, the Central Rada, was established in March 1917.
- The first government, the General Secretariat of the Central Rada.
- State symbols: the coat of arms, the anthem "Ukraine Has Not Perished," and the flag.
- The Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, founded by Pavlo Skoropadsky in November 1918.
- Unity of Ukrainian lands in a single independent state.
Knowing our history is a powerful weapon against enemy propaganda. It dispels myths about the "artificiality" of the Ukrainian state and proves our thousand-year tradition of statehood. During the war, this knowledge becomes a shield against disinformation and a source of strength for our people.
Ukrainian Statehood Day it’s a reminder of our responsibility for Ukraine’s future. It’s a day to honor all who have fought and continue to fight for our statehood and independence - from the princes of Kyivan Rus to the modern-day heroes on the frontlines.
Remember: our state is the result of a thousand-year struggle and the hard work of many generations of Ukrainians. Today, we continue this fight, defending not only our land but also our history, culture, and right to self-determination.
Together, we are unbreakable. Together, we will win. Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦!
