Dear Ukrainian cooperators, employees, and veterans of the consumer cooperative movement!
The Presidency of Ukrkoopspilka and the Presidency of the Central Committee of the Trade Union of Consumer Cooperative Employees of Ukraine sincerely congratulate you on the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence! Independence Day is the most important national holiday. It is a day when we become particularly aware of the meaning of freedom, the privilege of having our own state, and our responsibility for its future. Thirty-five years ago, Ukraine made its historic choice — to be a free and independent state. Today, the Ukrainian people reaffirm this choice every day through their courage, struggle, and work. Our independence comes at a price. And today, that price is extraordinarily high. The price of Ukrainian independence today is human lives lost in the fight against the enemy, the fate of families separated by war, destroyed homes, cities and villages, and lost opportunities and dreams. The highest price for Ukraine’s freedom is being paid by our defenders — men and women who defend our state with weapons in their hands. Among them are employees of the consumer cooperative movement. We bow our heads in memory of those who gave their lives for Ukraine. We are deeply grateful to those who are confronting Russian aggression on the front lines. The heroism of our soldiers reminds us that independence is not a gift. It is a status that we fight for, defend, and strengthen every day. But defending the state is not only about the front line. It is also about the daily work of millions of Ukrainians who keep the economy going, ensure the functioning of communities, create jobs, pay taxes, and support those in need. Cooperators are also making their contribution to Ukraine’s resilience. Despite the war, destruction, losses, and numerous challenges, consumer cooperative enterprises continue to operate, provide people with essential goods and services, preserve jobs, and support communities. Our duty today is to stand firm, preserve our people, enterprises, communities, jobs, and the country’s economic potential. And after victory — to rebuild Ukraine and make it even stronger, more modern, and fairer. We believe that the consumer cooperative movement has an important role to play in this great mission. Its foundation is people, work, mutual assistance, and responsibility to society. On this festive yet challenging day, we wish all cooperators of Ukraine strong health, strength of spirit, resilience, family warmth, and confidence in the future. May peace return to Ukrainian soil as soon as possible; may our defenders return home, families be reunited, cities and villages, enterprises and communities be rebuilt. May Ukraine be a free, strong, prosperous, and independent state, and may the work of each and every one of us become part of its revival and future.
Let us protect our Independence. Let us cherish it. Let us work for it. And let us remember those who paid the highest price for it.
Happy Independence Day of Ukraine!
Illia GOROKHOVSKYI Chairman of the Council of Ukrkoopspilka
Iryna LOPUSHANSKA Chairwoman of the Central Committee of the Trade Union of Consumer Cooperative Employees of Ukraine
