Fellow compatriots!

The Second World War is the worst tragedy in human history, during which tens of millions of people were killed  and entire nations were subjected to genocide. It will forever remain a symbol for us as a reminder of how far totalitarian regimes can go in their struggle for new conquests and of an absolute callous disregard for human life. The memory of those events will remain etched in the hearts of the future generations.

Ukraine is one of the most affected countries in that war. Our land became ground to the most tragic events. Millions of our compatriots have not returned home, millions of families  have lost their relatives. Torture and executions, deportations and concentration camps - the Ukrainians  have experienced all these horrors only because they  got in the way of someone's desire to reshape  the world order. 

Reconsidering these events, we are united by deep pain and mourning for the fallen Ukrainians from all the armies and from different regions of the country who gave their lives for the homeland or became innocent victims of that war. Today, our citizens, again, and not on their own, are forced to bear the burden of the war, insidiously triggered by external aggressor – Russian-terrorist occupiers. The best sons and daughters of the country die, parents lose children, and children - their parents.

The civilized world is united around our tragedy and demonstrates an inflexible will  in deterring a terrorist aggressor. Ukraine is in the forefront of the formation of a new world order. Ukraine's experience in curbing external aggression and implementing reforms amid the hybrid war is unprecedented that could be a model for the most European countries in shaping new security and defense policies.

Our common task is to make every effort to end the war which drains the economy, industry, infrastructure, and most tragically, it destroys the lives and health of our citizens. Ukraine is once again suffering and undergoing destruction from totalitarian fanaticism, which brings only grief and devastation in neighboring countries.

On this day, I call on everyone to bow heads and to observe a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of all the victims of the Second World War.

1939-1945. We remember. We are winning.

 Sincerely,

Prime Minister of Ukraine                                                         Volodymyr GROYSMAN