November 21, 2023. OTTAWA, ON. Today, Ukraine and Ukrainians around the world mark the Day of Dignity and Freedom. On November 21, 2013, the Ukrainian people began to gather on city and town squares across the country to defend their right to freedom and democracy.
In Kyiv, at Independence Square – Maidan Nezalezhnosti – and countless other maidans across the country, the Ukrainian people protested for their right to choose their common destiny. The corrupt, authoritarian Yanukovych regime responded with increasing repressions and violence.
On February 18-20, 2014, the regime opened fire on its own people. But the Ukrainian people withstood the regime’s attack and defended their right to freedom. The regime retreated and Yanukovych fled.
Over 100 brave Ukrainian patriots were killed in those days by the regime’s security forces. They shall forever be remembered as the Heavenly Hundred – Небесна Сотня – and they gave their lives so that Ukraine may be free. We honour their memory. Вічная Пам’ять.
Ten years have passed since the beginning of the Revolution of Dignity. For a decade, the Ukrainian people have defended their freedom against Russia’s war of aggression.
Russia seeks to destroy the Ukrainian state and annihilate the Ukrainian people. A united and defiant Ukrainian nation fights on against Russia’s invasion. The freedom that was won amid the fires of the Maidan is today defended by the courageous Ukrainian Armed Forces. Thousands of brave Ukrainian patriots have given their lives defending Ukraine’s freedom. We shall always remember them.
As we mark the Day of Dignity and Freedom, we pledge to do all that we can to make sure that Ukraine’s day of victory come as swiftly as possible.
Слава Україні! Героям Слава!
