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Statement by EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová on Ukraine's Day of Ukrainian Statehood

EU ambassador to Ukraine
© EU Del to Ukraine

”Today, on the 1603rd day of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine marks the Day of Ukrainian Statehood. Big day with many leaders in town.

It is no coincidence that  Commission President Ursula von der Leyen chose to be in Kyiv today. It was a great pleasure to welcome her here for her 11th visit since the full scale invasion.

Statehood is not just about borders or institutions. It is about a nation's right to exist, to choose its own future and to defend its own identity. That is exactly what Ukrainians have been fighting for every single day.

Established in 2021, the Day of Ukrainian Statehood celebrates more than a thousand years of Ukrainian history. It coincides with Day of Baptism of Kyivan Rus–Ukraine and the commemoration of Saint Volodymyr the Great, who introduced Christianity to Kyivan Rus in 988.

It directly challenges one of Kremlin's oldest lies – that Ukraine has no independent history or statehood of its own. Russia is trying to erase that truth. It will not succeed. Not now, not ever.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy honoured President Ursula von der Leyen on this occasion with the Order of Europe. In recognition of her unwavering leadership and Europe's steadfast support for Ukraine.

Together, they also signed a landmark EU Commission - Ukraine Drone Deal.

As President von der Leyen said:

EU ambassador to Ukraine

EU Del Ukraine

"Ukraine is protecting Europe every single day." And she is right. Ukraine is no longer only receiving security. It has become a security provider for Europe.

"Ukraine has the battle-tested experience. We need to capitalise on our mutual strength” - that is exactly what this new partnership is about.

Ukrainian ingenuity. European industrial scale. One common purpose: making Europe with Ukraine stronger and safer.

On a day that celebrates Ukrainian statehood, this is more than another political meeting. It is a reminder that Europe's future is being defended here, in Ukraine. And we are very much aware of it.

Slava Ukraïni!”