The modern definition of patriotism shall clearly distinguish between philosophizing about the support of Ukraine and specific deeds for the sake of Ukraine. Mykola Tomenko, Vice-Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, made the above-mentioned statement in the program at "Era-FM" radio, dwelling upon the national idea and the values to unite the country.
M.Tomenko stated that importance of a great many Ukrainian issues had been reduced by such philosophizing. "Unfortunately, hours-long speeches of Viktor Yushchenko about the Ukrainian history, language and culture without any substantial successful projects have created the situation of tension and rejection of humanitarian projects rather than united Ukraine", - M.Tomenko stated.
"As far as my definition of Ukrainian patriotism is concerned, it involves three major elements: firstly, one shall love Ukraine in practice, not in theory; secondly, love for Ukraine shall be funded at one´s own expense, not the budget funds; and thirdly it is the deeds one does, not the language one speaks that assess one´s love for Ukraine", - he stated.