During the ceremony, the Ambassador of Ukraine to China, Olexander Nechytaylo, delivered a congratulatory address to the Ukrainian community, Chinese guests and members of the international community:

“For Ukrainians, independence means the right to be ourselves — the right to speak our own language, the ‘nightingale language’; to preserve our culture; to choose our own path and our own leaders; and, ultimately, to safeguard a free and progressive state and pass it on to future generations of Ukrainians. It is for such a Ukraine that our entire country is working, including Ukrainian diplomacy and our diplomatic efforts here in China. Ukraine fights, Ukraine develops, Ukraine lives — and Ukraine will continue to live.”

During the event, guests also had an opportunity to visit the banner exhibition “Independent. Dignified. Fearless” by the Lviv Historical Museum and revisit key milestones in the modern history of Ukraine’s independence - from the Revolution on Granite to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The occasion also offered an opportunity to reflect on the path Ukraine has travelled in defence of its freedom, to honour those who are defending the country today, and to thank all friends and partners who continue to stand with Ukraine.

Happy Independence Day of Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!