July 15 marks an important occasion for the nation – Ukrainian Statehood Day.
As part of the celebrations, flowers were laid at the monument to T.G. Shevchenko in the park bearing his name in Odessa.
Attendees included local and regional authorities, security forces, military personnel, clergymen, and members of the public.
The Mayor of Odessa, Hennadiy Trukhanov, extended his greetings for the national holiday:
«Ukrainian statehood has its roots in the times of Kyivan Rus and embodies centuries of struggle, faith, and self-sacrifice. Today, it is not just a historical fact, but a daily choice – to live with dignity, to speak the truth, and to act for the benefit of the community. This day serves as a reminder: being Ukrainian means not only continuing our history but also firmly opposing those who seek to take away our freedom, dignity, and right to be masters of our land. We do not remain silent when the truth is destroyed. We do not stop when times are hard. We do not give up. Ukrainian statehood is us. It is in our words, our decisions, our daily resilience, and solidarity. It is a symbol of unity, faith, and the unwavering strength of our people.»