“Independence is not created in a single day. Nor is it guaranteed forever. It is a daily work.” This was precisely the focus of discussion at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine during the round table “Independence of Ukraine: State-Building, Resilience, and a European Future.”
The event was dedicated to reflecting on the historical path of Ukrainian statehood, the challenges of the full-scale war, and strategic steps of Ukraine towards full membership in the European Union.
The round table was attended by Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk, President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Anatolii Zagorodnii, President of the Supreme Court Stanislav Kravchenko, Acting Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine Oleksandr Petryshyn, Members of Parliament of Ukraine, government officials, educators, and representatives of the public.
“35 years of Independence is the story of an entire generation. But the history of Ukrainian statehood is significantly longer. It is a path that has brought us to the restoration of Independence, the development of democratic institutions, and the establishment of Ukraine as a sovereign European state.
Today, Ukraine’s right to be a free and independent state must once again be defended. russia is trying to destroy not only our territorial integrity, but the Ukrainian State itself. But our strength lies in our ability to stand firm, preserve democratic institutions, and keep moving forward.”
“This struggle is sustained by the entire Ukrainian people. Our male and female Defenders protect the state on the battlefield, while all of us together work daily for its resilience and future.
Our generation must not only protect Independence. We must pass down to future generations a strong, democratic, European, and forever independent Ukraine,” emphasized Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk.
The event participants discussed the fundamental principles of shaping Ukrainian national identity and the role of scientific potential in building a sovereign state. Special attention during the discussion was paid to ensuring the rule of law, as well as the role of education and science in fostering a conscious society.
“russia has always imposed an existential war on us, but our desire for freedom is stronger than their weapons,” emphasized Ivan Zaiets, one of the founders of Ukraine's Independence, Member of Parliament of five convocations, and co-author of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine and the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine.