By Jack Morgan
Today, our great nation celebrates its 33rd Independence Day. For those of us serving in Ukraine’s Armed Forces, this day holds a significance beyond parades and flags. It is a day of reflection on the sacrifices we have made, the battles we have fought, and the freedom we continue to defend. As a military officer, I stand with my comrades on this sacred day, honoring the men and women who have given everything in our fight against Russian aggression.
This year, the celebration is not confined to our borders. It extends to the frontlines, where our forces have made significant advances in the Kursk Oblast region, an achievement that demonstrates both the strength of our military and the unwavering resolve of our people. Our fight is far from over, but each victory brings us one step closer to securing the independence and sovereignty that we cherish.
A Day of Reflection and Resolve
Since the war began in 2014 and escalated with the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, Independence Day has taken on a profound new meaning for all Ukrainians, especially for those of us in uniform. What once was a day to commemorate our break from the Soviet Union has become a day to honor the sacrifices made in the defense of our nation.
This war has tested our will, our unity, and our strength. Every soldier who wears our flag on their shoulder knows that the fight for independence is not just a chapter in history—it is a daily struggle. We fight not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come, so they may know a free and sovereign Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy’s address to the nation this morning echoed what we on the frontlines already know: our fight is righteous, and our victory is inevitable. “Today, we are not just defending our land,” he said. “We are defending the values of freedom, democracy, and the right to live without fear of oppression.” His words ring true for every soldier who has faced the enemy and seen the cost of this war.
Major Advances in Kursk Oblast: A Critical Turning Point
While the world watches Ukraine with admiration, our forces continue to push forward on the battlefield. In recent weeks, one of the most significant developments has been our advances in the Kursk Oblast region, a key area just across the border in Russian territory.
Our operations in Kursk have been part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russia’s supply lines and weaken their ability to sustain their military presence in occupied Ukrainian territories. The importance of this region to Russia’s logistics cannot be overstated. It has long served as a hub for moving troops and equipment to the frontlines in Eastern Ukraine and Crimea.
By targeting Kursk, we have dealt a significant blow to the enemy’s supply chains, effectively choking off their ability to reinforce their units in critical areas. Over the past few weeks, our forces have successfully captured several villages and strategic points in the region. Despite heavy resistance, our troops have pushed forward, dismantling Russian defensive positions and crippling their supply routes.
These advances are not just victories on a map; they are strategic gains that will have a lasting impact on the course of this war. Our success in Kursk is a testament to the skill and determination of our soldiers, many of whom have been fighting since the early days of the war. Their resolve, even in the face of overwhelming odds, speaks to the character of our military and the spirit of our nation.
Heroes on the Frontlines
As a military officer, I have had the honor of serving alongside some of the finest men and women this country has ever known. This Independence Day, we honor their sacrifices and celebrate their victories.
One such hero is Major Olena Bilozerska, whose leadership in combat operations has been instrumental in our successes in the east. She has been a key figure in coordinating our efforts to push back Russian forces, and her tactical acumen has saved countless lives on the battlefield. Major Bilozerska represents the strength and courage of the many women in our armed forces, who continue to play a crucial role in the defense of Ukraine.
Then there is Senior Lieutenant Taras Hrytsyk, a tank commander who has become a legend among his peers. His leadership during the defense of Kyiv and subsequent counteroffensives has been nothing short of extraordinary. Hrytsyk’s unit was one of the first to engage the enemy in Kursk, leading the charge to disrupt Russian supply lines and pave the way for further advances.
But beyond the officers and commanders, we honor every soldier, every medic, every logistician who has contributed to our war effort. The war is not fought by a few—it is fought by the many. From the volunteers who deliver supplies to the frontlines to the doctors and nurses who care for our wounded, every Ukrainian has a role in this fight. And today, we recognize that collective effort.
A War of Principles
For those of us in the military, this war is about more than just defending territory. It is about defending the principles that make Ukraine a nation worth fighting for: freedom, democracy, and the right to determine our own future. Russia’s invasion is an attempt to strip us of those rights, but they have underestimated our will.
Our soldiers understand that this fight is not just for Ukraine. It is a stand against tyranny and oppression, not only for us but for the entire free world. The values we are defending resonate far beyond our borders, and that is why we have received such strong international support. Nations around the world have recognized that the outcome of this war will affect the future of global democracy.
Every advance we make on the battlefield, every Russian assault we repel, is a step toward preserving those values. The road ahead is long and difficult, but we are more determined than ever to see this fight through to the end.
Moving Toward Victory
As we celebrate this Independence Day, we do so with the knowledge that victory is on the horizon. Our advances in Kursk are proof that the tide is turning in our favor. The enemy is being pushed back, their supply lines are crumbling, and their morale is weakening. We know that there will be more battles to fight, but with each victory, we grow stronger and more confident in our eventual success.
This Independence Day is a reminder that the fight for freedom never ends. It is a fight that each generation must take up to secure the future of our nation. And it is a fight that we will win.
Honoring the Fallen
While we celebrate our progress, we also honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in this war. Thousands of soldiers have given their lives in defense of our nation, and their memory is etched into the soul of Ukraine. We fight for them, and we will ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain.
Today, as we reflect on our independence, we remember that freedom comes at a cost. But it is a cost that we, as soldiers of Ukraine, are willing to pay. We stand united, ready to defend our country for as long as it takes, until the day when we can finally declare victory and peace.
Conclusion
On this Independence Day, Ukraine stands proud and strong. Our military continues to advance, our people remain resolute, and our future shines bright. We are not just defending our borders; we are defending the ideals that make Ukraine a free and sovereign nation. Together, we will see this fight through, and together, we will emerge victorious.
For Ukraine, for freedom, and for the future—our fight goes on.