23 August 2013, 08:00
To the participants of the Great Patriotic War,
citizens of Kharkiv city
Dear friends!
I sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of the 70th liberation anniversary of Kharkiv from fascist invaders.
Seventy years have passed since the 183d rifle division under the command of Colonel Vasylevskyi liberated the heart of Kharkiv from occupants. On the morning of August 23d the red flag was again raised over the impressive building of Derzhprom (Building of State Industry).
We bow low before everyone whose bravery and valour, firmness and courage have brought the Victory closer, before those who, having lived through famine and ruin, have selflessly revived the glory of Kharkiv as an industrial, scientific and cultural center.
This holiday is a great source of patriotism and a good example for the generations to come. May you, dear citizens of Kharkiv, always remember the feat of arms of your compatriots and value the hard-won victory. I wish peace and welfare to your families!
Volodymyr RYBAK