Today, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress joins Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine across Canada and around the world in marking 35 years of the renewal of Ukraine’s independence.

One thousand, six hundred and forty three days ago, Russia launched a full-scale, genocidal invasion of Ukraine.

Russia seeks to destroy Ukraine’s independence.

But having won their independence, the Ukrainian people will never surrender it. Today we honour the Heroes who have given their lives for Ukraine’s independence.

We pay tribute to the Ukrainian Armed Forces – who fight for Ukraine’s freedom and will fight until the Ukrainian people are victorious.

Every day and every night, Russian ballistic missiles bomb Ukrainian civilians. We ask Canada and allies to give Ukraine the interceptors to take out Russian ballistic missiles and the long-range weapons to hit the Russian factories that produce them.

We are grateful to Canada and all allies who today support Ukraine’s freedom and independence.

We ask Ukraine’s allies to help Ukraine Win.

Слава Україні! Героям Слава!