Dear people's deputies!
Dear guests of the solemn session!
Fellow Ukrainians!
Millennial Ukrainian history knows many documents that became fundamental to the creation of the Ukrainian state.
And the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine is, without a doubt, one of them.
Today we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the birth of this iconic document. 30 years ago, a confident step was taken towards the final independence of Ukraine.
The declaration brought closer the victory of Ukrainians in the centuries-old struggle for a free and independent state.
July 16, 1990 became a truly historic day.
At that time, 355 people's deputies supported the Declaration of State Sovereignty. From different corners of our native Ukraine. From different parties. With different views. But for the sole purpose.
Please note that no one "failed" the declaration, putting forward eight thousand amendments. No one tried to block it with resolutions. No one tried to "knock it down" through the Constitutional Court.
The adoption of the declaration is an act of incredible unity of politicians for the sake of the will of the people and a great state goal.
Fellow Ukrainians!
Today, for the sixth year in a row, we are defending our sovereignty from Russian aggression. We pay the highest price for this - the lives of our citizens. Today, the entire civilized world recognizes that Ukraine is doing everything to achieve such a cherished peace.
A fair peace. Peace in our understanding of the word.
Peace where state sovereignty will prevail in reality, not on paper.
Yes. We lost part of the territory. We lost our people.
And, unfortunately, we cannot bring back the dead. But we must return all our territories. Restore faith in truth and justice.
So that what our heroes died for never turns out to be useless.
I am convinced that we, Ukrainians, have a chance to achieve this only in one case - if we all unite. Just like 30 years ago.
Today in this hall there are people's deputies of the first convocation. Their contribution to state formation cannot be overestimated.
And those who, unfortunately, passed away, are also present here - all of them have inscribed their names in the history of independent Ukraine.
Today we are infinitely grateful to each of you.
30 years ago, having polar political views, you clearly showed what a state position is. You have become a living example of unity and wisdom.
And I am sure that modern deputies have something to learn from you and must never forget that the sovereignty they have won must be preserved and protected by us. Both from external enemies and from internal quarrels.
To do this, I will incessantly call for a true unity. Because our strength and victory is in it. Because Ukraine is in it.
And from this high rostrum on this holiday I want to remind everyone of the words of the initiator of the proclamation of the Declaration of State Sovereignty, Hero of Ukraine Vyacheslav Maksymovych Chornovil: "I hope to God we love Ukraine above all having it today. So that we will not have to love it bitterly having lost it after”.
Ladies and Gentlemen!
Enough of quarrels and discord. Enough of manipulations and political games. Let's not divide Ukrainians and divide ourselves. Into the government or the opposition, left or right, red or blue.
We need to stop being politicians. It's time to become statesmen. People who have not a big appetite, but a big dream. About a united, strong and invincible Ukraine.
This is my dream. And my goal. I am sure it is yours, too.
Let us take care of yourself! Let us protect our sovereignty! Let us save Ukraine!
Glory to Ukraine!
