Article of Ambassador of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Anatolii Petrenko "Russia’s war against Ukraine and global food security" for the English-language daily Saudi newspaper "Arab News" on January 21, 2024.

https://arab.news/8yu6p

On Jan. 22, Ukraine celebrates Unity Day. On this very date, 105 years ago, the Ukrainian People’s Republic and the West Ukrainian People’s Republic signed the Unification Act, thereby proclaiming an undivided and sovereign state.

A quote from the Unification Act signed in 1919 stands out: “The territory of Ukraine, divided over the centuries, will now become a great united Ukraine. Dreams, for which the best sons of Ukraine fought and died for, have come true.” This quote resonates passionately with the challenging developments we witness today.

The unity of our people and lands constitutes a fundamental value of Ukrainian statehood. It refers to the spiritual consolidation of all nationals, regardless of their political or social views. Everyone stands for each other, and every region is an indispensable part of Ukraine.

Heartbreakingly, we are compelled to mark this significant national date with Russian full-scale aggression hanging over our freedom-loving country. We are going through a tough time. While the Defense Forces of Ukraine continue dismantling the occupiers, Russia perpetrates its missile terror against the peaceful civilian population and critical infrastructure amidst winter, thus weaponizing every opportunity while ignoring general moral and humanitarian norms.

Moreover, Russian propaganda intensifies its efforts to impose the idea of a divided Ukrainian nation into “westerners” and “easterners.” This is fundamentally wrong. In rebuffing this armed invasion, we have robustly proven once again our unity and common aspiration to live in a free state that can define its future. While our national views and visions may differ, they will never overshadow our dedication to sovereign Ukraine. Our society is unshakable in its strong belief that justice will prevail, and freedom will eventually triumph.

National history speaks loud and clear: The multiethnic and vibrant Ukrainian people all across the country made their decision for unity a century ago and are fully committed to defending it nowadays.

This war brought even greater unity to our people. Altogether, regardless of our regional origin, we fight for our Motherland, protect every inch of our country, and deliver peace and security to every Ukrainian citizen. Driven by unity in our hearts, we are together paving the way to a joint victory.

Ukraine’s fight for survival against one of the most formidable enemies of our time will result either in the survival of democracy or the domination of tyranny. Centuries of our history have taught us that the true strength of democracy is revealed not when victory is easy but when unity manifests itself in times of despair.

Similarly to 105 years ago, the best sons and daughters of Ukraine stand firm, protecting our country and the choice of our people to live in a united Europe. This is the strategic objective to restore territorial integrity and sovereignty, and in no way could these essential national interests be compromised.

National history speaks loud and clear: the multiethnic and vibrant Ukrainian people all across the country made their decision for unity a century ago and are fully committed to defending it nowadays.