The presidents of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and of the European Council, Charles Michel, commemorated this Thursday the Independence Day of Ukraine with a commitment of support “for as long as it is necessary” from the European Union ( EU) to the country. .
“Dear president [ucraniano] Zelensky, dear citizens of Ukraine, today, as you celebrate your independence day, I would like to warmly congratulate each and every one of you. Ukraine’s strength lies in its people, in their courage, in their strength and in their lasting hope for a future of peace and prosperity in a united Europe,” Ursula von der Leyen said in a video message posted on the social network X. (formerly known as Twitter).
In the message, shared on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of Independence Day, celebrated today, the head of the community executive assured the Ukrainian people that the EU will support the country “as long as it is necessary for Ukraine to be free.”
“You are an inspiration to all Europeans,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
Charles Michel also used the X social network to post a video message in which he gave similar assurances: “Dear Ukrainian friends, on this very important day, the day of your independence, the EU is with you and we will support you as long as possible. necessary”.
“You are a member of our European family and your future is with us. The stars of the EU flag will wave over your free and sovereign nation,” concluded Charles Michel, alluding to Ukraine’s possible accession to the community bloc. after the country received, just over a year ago, official candidate status.
Ukraine celebrates Independence Day this Thursday, the same date that marks 18 months of Russia’s military offensive against the country, which began on February 24, 2022.
The date, which this year commemorates the 32nd anniversary of the independence of Ukraine -declared on August 24, 1991, shortly before the formal dissolution of the Soviet Union, of which it was a part-, is marked by restrictions and security measures further a little further. the country, fearing more Russian attacks, which have intensified in recent weeks.
Faced with this danger, the mayor of Kiev, Vitali Klitschko, banned all large-scale events on the occasion of Independence Day, appealing to prudence and asking the population of the Ukrainian capital not to “ignore air defense alerts “.
The event will be held in other European cities, such as Lisbon, with a parade and the opening of a photo exhibition dedicated to Ukrainian children, and Warsaw and Amsterdam, where demonstrations are planned.
The Russian military offensive on Ukrainian territory plunged Europe into what is considered the most serious security crisis since World War II (1939-1945).
Source: TSF
