We are bringing home an outstanding son of the Ukrainian people – an exemplary warrior and a prominent Ukrainian statesman, Colonel Yevhen Konovalets. Throughout his conscious life, he fought for Ukraine to be restored and to gain real independent strength. Unfortunately, at that time, Ukraine was unable to establish itself. There was not enough unity, not enough wisdom among the political leaders of the time, not enough ability to build genuine ties with the world.

But Ukraine’s time has come. Independence was restored, and we defended Ukraine’s right to be itself. No one will ever remove the blue-and-yellow flags from Kyiv again, and it is only Ukraine that will choose its national path. Now, remembering Ukraine’s struggle for liberation, we all know with absolute certainty what mistakes must not be made. We know what Ukraine needs and where we must focus our attention and efforts. We know what national priorities our state must have.

Glory to Ukraine!