The Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria has marked the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s independence, describing the occasion as a reflection of the Ukrainian people’s long-standing struggle for freedom, statehood and self-determination.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, said this at a ceremony in Abuja, noting that the country’s statehood dates back more than 1,000 years and includes historical periods such as Kyivan Rus, the Cossack state and the Ukrainian People’s Republic.
He recalled that Ukraine restored its independence on August 24, 1991, with the decision later endorsed by a nationwide referendum on December 1 of the same year. According to him, 90.32 per cent of voters who participated supported independence, with the decision receiving majority support across all regions.
Kholostenko said Ukraine’s independence had come at a heavy cost, with generations of Ukrainians sacrificing their freedom and lives to preserve the country’s identity, language and culture. He said the struggle continued amid the ongoing war with Russia, which he described as a fight to defend Ukraine’s right to exist as an independent state.
The envoy called for continued international support for Ukraine, including sanctions against Russia, military assistance and protection of Ukrainian cities from missile attacks. He said Ukraine remained committed to a just and lasting peace but maintained that peace should not reward aggression.
Kholostenko thanked countries and individuals supporting Ukraine, saying their assistance helped save lives and defend international law. He added that Ukrainians continued to rebuild communities, educate their children, develop technology and contribute to the country while soldiers defended it on the front lines.
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