Eight years ago, Ukraine and the world witnessed the historic uprising of Ukrainians in the struggle for freedom and their pro-European choice. The deaths of peaceful protesters in central Kyiv on February 18, 19, and 20, 2014, forever changed Ukraine’s history to “before” and “after” those dates. The courage of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred set an example for freedom fighters across the European continent.
“The sacrifice of the Heavenly Hundred is reminiscent of the heroism of all who have fought for freedom and democracy in Ukraine, including the Heroes of Kruty, UPA soldiers, the dissidents of the 1960s, and the thousands of soldiers who are holding back further Russian invasion in eastern Ukraine now in its eighth year. The Heavenly Hundred gave their lives to defend Ukraine’s European and Euro-Atlantic choices. The democratic world must stand with Ukraine and, at the very least, stand up to the pressure on Ukraine to make concessions on its chosen path, especially during the shameless escalation in eastern Ukraine,” said UWC President Paul Grod.
In 2014, Ukrainians proved that they are ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for the European values of dignity, democracy, equality, and the rule of law.
Today, as in 2014, the global Ukrainian Diaspora, united by the UWC, is defending the truth and countering the Kremlin’s disinformation. Millions of Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine are turning to the entire democratic world through leading media outlets, and taking to the streets in peaceful demonstrations in squares around the world, to speak out and appeal for the world’s support of Ukraine and for Ukrainians.
We call on the entire international community to #StandWithUkraine and support Ukraine in word and deed. Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Heroes!
Image credit: Nikita Titov
