We will Liberate Our Land!

Excerpts from President Poroshenko’s speech to the Ukrainian nation Monday, June 30, 2014, the 73^rd anniversary of the Declaration restoring Ukrainian Statehood of June 30, 1941:

For 10 days we have demonstrated to the Donbas, Ukraine, and to the world our commitment to peacefully settle the conflict triggered externally. 

We have demonstrated the goodwill of Ukrainian authorities to Donetsk and Luhansk citizens. 

Hardworking and peaceful people, which is the vast majority of the citizens of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, feel our sympathy, love and respect. They saw a sincere willingness of Kyiv government to take into account their opinions and interests. And they realized their safety is our top priority. 

Ukraine got even more international support as I signed the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU during the ceasefire (on June 27)…

The political leadership of the separatists demonstrated unwillingness and inability to control the actions of their departments and the terrorist gangs of looters. 

The Russian Federation Council defense and security committee revoked the permission to send Russian troops in Ukraine; it was positive, but symbolic action. We haven’t seen concrete steps to de-escalation of the situation. Despite all this, the peace was, is and will be my goal. Only the tools to achieve it have changed…

We held a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. After discussing the situation as Commander-in-Chief I have decided to end the ceasefire.

Protection of the territorial integrity of Ukraine, safety and life of civilians requires not only defensive but also offensive operations against gunmen.

Ukraine’s Armed Forces, National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, Security Service received appropriate instructions…

We will attack and we will liberate our land…

The Armed Forces of Ukraine, National Guard, and other units will not allow themselves to use force against peaceful people. They never attack residential neighborhoods. 

Ukrainian soldiers and guardsmen will risk their life, just not to expose threats to women, children and elderly men. 

I call on every citizen of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts to understand my decision and to become our allies in return for the security of Donbas …

Dear compatriots! 

The road to peace was somewhat more complex than desired. Do not want to embellish reality. It will be hard and difficult. 

Now we should unite to protect Ukraine more than ever. It requires dedication and discipline not only at the front but in the rear.

But there was not a single war after which the peace didn’t come. 

So it happens this time. 

Glory to Ukraine!

Finally, the President of Ukraine sounds presidential. President Poroshenko demonstrates leadership. His words are heroic. This has rarely been heard from a President of Ukraine.

God give President Poroshenko fortitude, stamina and vision to lead the Ukrainian nation in battle against the evil Russian invaders. God protect and give strength to the Ukrainian soldiers and guardsmen in their battles with the Russian enemy. God save the Ukrainian nation.

Glory to Ukraine!