Europe Asia News

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha issued a message on the occasion of Ukraine’s Defenders Remembrance Day on August 29. Sybiha said they honor the memory of Ukrainian defenders who lost their lives for the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Sybiha said August 29 carries the painful memory of the Battle of Ilovaisk in 2014, stressing that the day is important for commemorating all Ukrainian warriors who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Minister Sybiha said the warriors being commemorated gave their lives for Ukraine’s right to be free, to determine its own future and to exist as a sovereign nation.

Sybiha emphasized the importance of foreign leaders and officials visiting Ukraine paying tribute to fallen Ukrainian defenders during their visits, saying: “Honoring our fallen defenders is an integral part of almost every visit by foreign leaders and officials to Ukraine. This is extremely important. Those who come here must see both our strength and the high price our people have paid for freedom.”

Sybiha said: “This remembrance also sends a clear message to the world: it reminds us who started the war, who the aggressor is, and that peace must bring justice and accountability rather than reward Russia’s aggression.”

At the end of his message, Sybiha said they do not forget any of the Ukrainian defenders who lost their lives, adding: “We remember every defender we have lost. And our debt to them is to ensure that Ukraine remains free, sovereign and strong.”