Sjećam se kako smo u teškim, gotovo gladnim, financijski složenim vremenima, bili sretni onim što smo imali. Plodna zemlja, čarobni krajolik, vruće ljeto i snježna zima – moja Ukrajina. Bila je siromašna, ali mirna. Nismo očekivali potrese, nismo čuli za tsunamije i uragane, nismo se bojali rata…

U kolovozu, 24. Ukrajina slavi Dan neovisnosti. 1991. godine Ukrajina je proglasila državnu neovisnost i izašla iz sastava SSSR-a. Činilo se, jedinstven dar: zemlja je postala neovisna nakon stoljeća “u sastavu” bez rata, bez krvi i bez žrtava. “Bratimi” narodi, gotovo rođaci, trebali su se razići u miru. I postati dobronamjerni susjedi. Međutim, ta iluzija nije dugo potrajala.

Od 2014. godine Ukrajina se bori za svoju neovisnost. Ono što je bilo proglašeno i potvrđeno na sveukrajinskom referendumu, ipak se moralo braniti s oružjem u rukama. Tri i pol godine sveopćeg rata — cijena je koju Ukrajina i dalje plaća za pravo da bude na karti. Nažalost, tek sada je svijet saznao za Ukrajinu. Podržavaju je utjecajne i velike zemlje. A za mene najdragocjenija je podrška Hrvatske. Zemlje u kojoj nije trebalo objašnjavati “tko je koga napao” i zašto “bratski” susjed može biti najgori neprijatelj.

Ne znamo kako i kada će rat završiti. Međutim, vjera u pobjedu živi. Ukrajinska povijest, složena i zamršena, traje više od tisuću godina. Kijev stoji, Dnjepar teče, zvone zvona na Kijevskoj Sofiji…

Hvala Hrvatskoj na podršci, timu zmaj.info na izvrsnom radu, a čitateljima — na pažnji. Sretan praznik, moja Ukrajino!

My Independent

I remember how in difficult, almost hungry, financially challenging times, we were happy with what we had. Fertile land, a magical landscape, ahot summers and snowy winters — my Ukraine. It was poor, but peaceful. We didn’t expect earthquakes, didn’t hear about tsunamis and hurricanes, didn’t fear war…

On August 24, Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day. In 1991, Ukraine proclaimed its state independence and withdrew from the USSR. It seemed like a unique gift: the country became independent after centuries “bejng the part of something” without war, blood, or victims. The “brotherly” nations, almost relatives, were supposed to part amicably. And become good neighbors. However, this illusion didn’t last long.

Since 2014, Ukraine has been fighting for its independence. What was proclaimed and confirmed by an all-Ukrainian referendum had to be defended with weapons in hand. Three and a half years of full-scale war is the price Ukraine continues to pay for the right to be on the map. Unfortunately, only now has the world learned about Ukraine. It is supported by influential and large countries. And for me, the most valuable thing is the support of Croatia. A country where I didn’t have to explain “who attacked whom” and why a “brotherly” neighbor can be the worst enemy.

We don’t know how or when the war will end. However, the belief in victory lives on. Ukrainian history, complex and intricate, has lasted for more than a thousand years. Kyiv stands, the Dnieper flows, the bells of St. Sophia’s Cathedral in Kyiv ring…

Thanks to Croatia for the support, to the zmaj.info team for their excellent work, and to the readers for their attention. Happy holiday, my Ukraine!