On August 24, 1991, the Verkhovna Rada (then still) of the Ukrainian SSR adopted the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine. From that moment, the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (Ukrainian SSR) ceased to exist, and a free Ukraine emerged. Already half a year later, on February 20, 1992, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the resolution "On Independence Day of Ukraine," which is celebrated annually on August 24 as a national public holiday.
This year Ukraine celebrateі its 34th anniversary of its independence. Yet the celebration is not joyful – the country is at war. At the front, the best sons and daughters of Ukraine die every day; in the rear, there are relentless bombings of cities, towns, and villages, turning them into ruins and also claiming the lives of civilians – the elderly, women, and children. The number of crippled and destitute people is growing. And worst of all – Ukraine has been betrayed by its greatest friend and helper – the United States. Not the American people (according to polls, 70% of Americans support Ukraine), but the president, Donald Trump, whom they elected. He does not like Ukrainians, and he simply cannot stand President V. Zelensky, ever since the time when, during the elections, Zelensky refused to provide him with kompromat on Biden’s son. Trump believes this prevented him from winning. At the same time, he loves the Russians and their führer, Putin. This became obvious after their meeting in Alaska. Where this love came from, when and how it arose – no one knows, and those who do – remain silent. I think, in time, history will tell us about it.
For now, we have what we have. We are dependent on the United States, which sells weapons to Europe for us and provides intelligence; dependent on Europe, its finances, weapons, political support, and unity. Without this, we will not be able to withstand the rashist horde on our own. So today, our independence depends on many factors and other countries. Could it have been full? Yes, it could. If former president Kuchma had not signed, under the pressure of the United States, Great Britain, and Russia, the Budapest Memorandum, which none of the signatories even thought to fulfill, and one of them – Russia – did the opposite and attacked Ukraine. At that time, Ukraine had one of the largest nuclear arsenals in the world. The government of Ukraine could not use strategic nuclear weapons because the launch codes remained in Russia, but tactical nuclear forces remained under Ukraine’s control and could have been used. Yet why would Kuchma trouble himself with their proper maintenance – it was easier to get rid of them: to hand them over, sell them, destroy them. And after that – let the grass not grow – better to engage in corrupt privatization, to provide estates for himself and his family. One should ask him about this now. Instead, he lives somewhere abroad, humming to himself, while Ukraine coughs up blood and still pays for the maintenance of his security detail.
Trump likes to say that if he had been president, not Biden, Russia would not have dared to attack Ukraine. But allow me to ask: if Ukraine had still retained nuclear weapons, would Russia have dared to attack? They say history does not like conditional moods. Or, as the Ukrainian proverb goes: “If only ifs were true, mushrooms would grow in your mouth.” It would be good to remind Mr. Trump of this.
So what is the Budapest Memorandum worth? Just the paper it’s written on? It is rightly said that treaties signed by Russia are not worth even the paper on which they are written. Once, we made a huge mistake – a fatal mistake – we must not fall for this again. No guarantee agreements, no Article 5 from America, and even less Russia’s consent, are true or effective. Only real, timely support – the supply of necessary weapons, intelligence, and funds – can help us. Moreover, from now on we must rely only on ourselves: build missiles, produce drones, ammunition, frontline equipment, improve command and control, training, strengthen air, naval forces, air defense, develop and implement new technologies – everything that helps us win.
One more thing. Do not give the enemy rest. Strike their territory as they strike ours – military bases, factories, depots, oil refineries, transport, logistics links. So that the people in the Muscovite swamps understand and feel that the war has come to them as well. Perhaps then they will become more reasonable and compliant.
I believe that Ukraine will endure and win, will grow stronger, and develop into a strong and powerful state, and that the time will come when not we, but others, will come to us for advice and ask for help. Otherwise, we will not be able to justify our sacrifices.
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