The Embassy of Ukraine in Georgia publishes an article by the Chargé d’Affaires of Ukraine, which was dedicated to the Independence Day of Ukraine.

Speaking about the ongoing war Dmytro Berezhnyi emphasizes that Georgia was one of the first countries to open its doors to thousands of Ukrainian families who were forced to leave their homes because of Russian occupiers and bombs.

“A Joint Struggle for a Common Future: From Historical Victory to the Unbreakable Union of Free Nations” - this is the title of the article, which notes that August 24, Independence Day, is not merely a calendar date and a formal attribute of sovereignty for the Ukrainian people.

“For us, independence has never been a gift or an accidental confluence of historical circumstances. It has been shaped by centuries of unceasing struggle driven by the desire of Ukrainians to be the masters of their own land, to live by the laws of honor and conscience, to speak their native language, to cherish their culture, traditions, and national identity, and to pass them on to future generations. Today’s confrontation is a direct continuation of this historical struggle.

Russian aggression against Ukraine did not start in 2022, but has been ongoing since 2014, with the illegal annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of war in Donbas. Back then, the Kremlin finally discarded the myth of “brotherly people”, and the “Russian world” revealed its true face - behind the words about historical closeness lay hidden imperial claims, the desire to appropriate foreign territories, and the denial of the right of neighboring peoples to determine their own future. In February 2022, the aggressor resorted to an unprovoked, full-scale invasion, hoping for a swift capitulation of our state. However, the enemy miscalculated.

Millions of Ukrainians - on the front lines, in defense industry facilities, in hospitals, critical infrastructure facilities, and volunteer headquarters - stood up to defend their homeland, showing the world an unprecedented example of national unity and resilience”, - reads the article.

At the same time, it is noted that in the first, most difficult days of the full-scale invasion, when Ukraine’s fate depended on every single person, volunteers and heroes from many friendly countries stood shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian military, among whom the children of Georgia hold a special place.

“Today, there are many Georgian fighters within the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine - Georgian citizens of various nationalities and ethnic Georgians who are citizens of other countries. With weapons in hand, they defend Ukraine's freedom, independence, and territorial integrity, fully realizing that this is a joint struggle.

Having experienced Russian aggression and the occupation of their own lands, the Georgian people, like no one else, understand Ukraine’s pain and realize that today, the future of more than just the Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts is being decided.

One of the main front lines in the fight against Russian imperialism passes through there, and its outcome will also determine the future of Georgia's occupied regions. The courage, fearlessness, and self-sacrifice of Georgian heroes on the Ukrainian front are the highest expression of solidarity and the Georgian people's most significant contribution to our common victory. We bow our heads in memory of the Ukrainian and Georgian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Ukraine and Georgia. Their heroic deeds are forever inscribed in the history of our brotherhood and will serve as a guide for future generations”, - writes Dmytro Berezhnyi.

The Chargé d’Affaires notes in the article that the Ukrainian people will always remember with deep gratitude and warmth the immense kindness and hospitality they felt from Georgia from the very first days of the war.

“Georgia was one of the first countries to open its doors to thousands of Ukrainian families who were forced to leave their homes because of Russian occupiers and bombs. Since the end of February 2022, more than 500,000 Ukrainian citizens were forced to evacuate and also move to different parts of the world through Georgia. For many of them, the Georgian land became the first safe haven after the horrors of the full-scale war started by Russia. Currently, more than 27,000 Ukrainians temporarily still live in Georgia, awaiting the establishment of a just peace and the opportunity to return to their homes. Humanitarian and social support for Ukraine in Georgia has truly become a national effort, uniting the endeavors of the state and local authorities, businesses, civil society, the Georgian Orthodox Church, and ordinary citizens. In the first difficult months of the war, thousands of Ukrainian families who were forced to seek refuge in Georgia received free accommodation, hot meals, financial assistance, and, no less importantly, human warmth and support.

The creation of Ukrainian sections in Tbilisi and Batumi public schools became a significant step, where Ukrainian children continue to study in their native language according to the National Curriculum of Ukraine to this day. This helps them not only adapt to new conditions but also preserve their national identity and connection to their homeland. With the support of the Government of Georgia and local municipalities, Ukrainian children from socially vulnerable families - especially those whose parents sacrificed their lives defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity - regularly come to Georgia for recreation and psychological rehabilitation. Institutional support also made a major contribution, which was reflected in simplifying border crossing procedures to the maximum, extending the visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens, and providing access to essential medical and social services.

At the same time, thousands of tons of humanitarian aid, generators, medical equipment, and medicines collected by the population of Georgia and sent to Ukraine played a decisive role in supporting our cities during the most difficult period of the war. Thanks to this warm and open welcome, Ukrainians in Georgia do not feel like strangers. For many of our compatriots, Georgia has truly become a close country where they feel brotherly warmth, support, and true human solidarity. We sincerely thank Georgia for every bit of support, for every Georgian soldier standing by our side on the front line, for the shelter provided to Ukrainian children, and for every Lari and generator allocated to support Ukraine.

We are confident that the joint struggle of the Ukrainian and Georgian peoples for freedom, independence, territorial integrity, and a European future will inevitably end with the restoration of justice, the full de-occupation of our sovereign territories, and the establishment of a lasting and just peace. Glory to Ukraine!

GAUMARJOS SAKARTVELOS [Long live Georgia]!”, - reads the article.