Address of Valery Zaluzhny
ARMY, HISTORY, UKRAINE
A SOLDIER'S LETTER
"MY DAD IS A HERO!"
FAITHFUL DEFENDERS OF THE FATHERLAND
DREAMS
MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME...
CRUEL WAR
THANK YOU, DEFENDERS
CHILDREN'S DRAWINGS INSTEAD OF WALLPAPER...
ON THE GUARD OF THE COUNTRY
WITHOUT NAMES
TO MY PROTECTORS
DEFENDERS
MEMORY
ARMED FORCES
Dear children of Luhansk region and all of Ukraine!
We fight for you, for your future, your right to live in your own country and realize your childhood dreams. We are fighting for our land so as not to leave war as a legacy to you. The enemy is ruthless and insidious. He wants to conquer Ukraine, the ancient land of free people, the history of which begins long before the Slavs and even the Scythians! Even then, our ancestors lived here. They loved this land just like you do now. They defended it, often at the cost of their lives, as evidenced by the numerous burial mounds - silent sentinels of our steppes and forests, which still stand from Luhansk region and Donetsk region to Slobozhan region, Chernihiv region, Kyiv region, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. We are rich not only in fertile black soil and human resources, but also in our great and tragic history, cultural diversity, and intelligent hardworking people. You write about it in your poems and works, you compare us with Cossacks, masters of military affairs of different eras. Unfortunately, your peers in the occupied parts of Luhansk region, Donetsk region, and Crimea are deprived of the opportunity to learn the true history of their people, to feel the power and melody of their native language. But I am sure that one day they too will hold this book in their hands and read your wonderful poems and essays about the current defenders of our beautiful Ukraine. They will feel your love for your country, your loyalty to your people and your boundless trust in your defenders. War is always a huge tragedy, pain and blood. You know better than anyone that we did not start it: an insidious enemy attacked you, and we were forced to accept the battle. Born in Lviv and Luhansk, Mykolaiv and Kharkiv, Simferopol and Mariupol - we are on our land and protect our own: our families and you, our children. That's why the whole world supports us, that's why you support us. Thank you very much for that. Thank you to your parents and teachers who raised such talented, intelligent children. You inspire us to give all our strength and soul to the struggle for freedom. It is difficult for all of us now, very difficult - but we will definitely never be ashamed. The future of Ukraine begins with you. I look at your drawings, read your poems - and I see that it will be beautiful! You demonstrated to the whole world what it means to love your country, what courage and resilience are. By your very presence here, by the help of the military, by the everyday support of your defenders, you have shown: Luhansk is Ukraine! You have something to be proud of and someone to thank. Remember the price we put on the altar for you, for Victory! Believe in your Armed Forces!
Valery Zaluzhnyi,
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General
Oleg Pshenichny, 17 years old, Severodonetsk
For many years, our country has borne the burden of difficult trials. When the hope for the future of the nation was trampled in the dirt by our enemies with the help of propaganda, corrupt politicians and geopolitical humiliations, only our army came to the rescue. For a long time, our Ukraine lived in lingering dreams between the eras of different empires, which after short bursts of independence swallowed us up again. What sustained those breaths of freedom? The era of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The National Liberation War of 1648-1657 began. There were legends about them. Their experience was appreciated in other European countries. They are did not know fear. Zaporizhia Cossacks are warriors who fought for the will of the people and for their freedom. The Hetmanship's viability was mostly helped by the powerful Cossack army. Of course, in our world, the army is the key to the existence of any state, but the spirit that emanated from the Zaporizhzhya Army had a positive effect on the mood of the entire Hetmanate. In our history, the black ribbon always begins with a disaster. Unfortunately, we did not manage to keep our independence then. The Hetmanate, as an independent state, did not last long, but it left behind inspiration and national memory, which supported our spirit in later years and does not leave us even now. At the beginning of the 20th century, in the bloodbath of the First World War, the Ukrainian People's Republic flourished. It would seem that in the crazy whirlwind of events, we could easily gain freedom. But problems began, stemming from the lack of the most important element of the state puzzle in such times: a powerful army. When the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire appeared before us, we could not resist them, and had to accept their demands in a global conflict, because of which the victors later did not want to recognize us as an independent country. When the red plague threatened us, we did not have the opportunity to oppose them with sufficiently strong arguments. When the newly revived Poland decided that the western Ukrainian lands with an ethnic Ukrainian majority belong to the Poles, we also did not have enough strength to object to it. A powerful, well-armed and trained Ukrainian army is what we lacked in the crucial years, even months of our future destiny. October 14 is known as the day of the foundation of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. Then, in 1942, having previously faced Stalinist repressions, Ukraine felt the burden of almost 4 years of Nazi occupation. The goal of this army was a great Ukrainian uprising with the subsequent unification of our ethnic lands. Yes, the UPA was partisan, but this would not greatly hinder the implementation of the idea of the Cathedral Ukraine, especially since its soldiers fought against the "brown" and "red" almost all over Ukraine, and in a fairly organized manner. But, as always, there was the problem of the internal split of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists into two "branches": OUN(b) and OUN(m), which had contradictions. This led to defeat. The unity of the OUN was restored only in 2013. Yes, our country, idea, language, glorious people did not die out in the torment of the blood-red dictatorship. Although the danger was too close. Due to torture by Russification, deportations and collectivizations, we passed until 1991. Finally, the USSR collapsed and Ukraine gained independence. But did Russia break away from us? No. 2014 clearly showed this. Northern "false brothers" came to our houses with weapons, began to destroy our cities. Fortunately, Putin's "Novorossiya" did not take place. Because we already had an army. At first catastrophically weak, she quickly gained strength and experience in battles, and eventually showed that she was capable of defending her country. The full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation did not begin then. Why? I don't think it is possible to read the thoughts of the Russian president, but all experts agree on one thing: he saw that the Ukrainian army is a powerful force. Do we have a fighting army now? Yes. And the whole world sees it. Our army has moved from relying only on patriotism to increasing professionalism. According to official data, the Armed Forces of Ukraine currently have 261,000 servicemen. This is significantly more than in 2014. Now we face a new threat of a full-scale Russian invasion. Are we ready for such a development? I think so, but only time and the history we are making now will tell. "We are created to win," said Colonel Artem Kotenko, commander of the 81st separate airmobile brigade of the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I think the same. We were born to win - and we are ready to win.
Dear soldier, defender, Hero! Unfortunately, I never had to write a letter, wrap it in an envelope, write a return address in the lines... You are a stranger to me. I don't know your name or surname. I don't know your smile, I haven't heard your voice and I haven't had the chance to look into your eyes. In those eyes, in addition to a penetrating look, there is also pain and the sediment of fear, and your temples must have been covered with frost, because you had to see everything there, on the front line, or, as they say in our country, on the first line of demarcation. What a terrible word "demarcation". It blows with sadness and pity. Because not only the territories remained demarcated, but also human destinies… We pray for you! All of Ukraine is praying because it appreciates your feat and the efforts you make to protect us; feels how difficult and scary you are; rooting for you all to return victorious to your native home. Relatives are waiting for each of you: a mother who did not hold back her tears as she saw her son off on a long journey; a father who managed with his courage and firmness of character to raise a true patriot; and she is the only one who faithfully waits and is proud that her chosen one worthily defends the borders of her native state, and her heart trembles every moment for you. And some children already ask their mother every day whether will their dad be back soon? I am grateful to you, dear warrior, for your protection, for your bravery, courage and bravery. We will definitely win! Ukrainians are, were and will be. As Taras Shevchenko said:
...Laugh, February will strike! But not really, because everything dies, - Glory will not rest; He will not lie down, but will tell What was happening in the world Whose truth, whose wrong And whose children are we? Our thought, our song Will not die, will not perish... Where, people, is our glory, Glory to Ukraine!
I pray for you, soldier! May your strength and courage always be nourished by the love and support of your relatives. May you always have a cozy home waiting for you at home. I want your soul to be warmed by pure love, family comfort and hope for blessed times to come!
Sincerely, student of the Lantrativ Lyceum Daryna Savchenko, 16 years old
Valentina Kravchenko, 17 years old, Lysychansk
It was a frosty winter morning. The minute hand once again, overtaking the hour hand, arrived at the finish line first. Seven in the morning. The dizzying aroma of strawberry pancakes wafts from the kitchen: mom is preparing breakfast. The first sounds of the news are heard from the TV. Again, someone in the world did not resign, there is unrest in the ATO zone, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopts changes to the Constitution. It seems that everything is unchanged, as always... But, as if waking up from a terrible dream, I understand: everything has changed forever... We will never have happy breakfasts and dinners with our family. My father is a military man. Was… My little soul seems to be torn apart by a sniper's bullet, which so confidently entered the body of my dearest person. I am hurt and scared... Everyone says: "It was necessary! He died as a hero! It will pass! Life will get better!.." But with my childish mind, I still can't understand how it is that my beloved dad will never meet me from school? So tall, athletic, friendly, in military uniform and self-confident; will never hug me with his huge arms and say simply and tenderly: "My daughter! My joy!". Brave, brave, brave, determined, courageous, valiant, fearless, desperate, full of courage - he took kittens out of trees with me and repaired toys for my best friend. And then together we hid five blind puppies found in a box at a bus stop under the bed from their mother. Although, of course, mom knew about everything, and secretly fed them baby formula herself. Later, we distributed them together to our neighbors... Of course, I still have a lot of memories. I can develop this topic for hours, but I want to convey to the reader: the above words are not just about a person, my father. And about a person - a representative of the profession of a military serviceman. This is how they are real men: kind, gentle, strong, at the same time brave, brave, desperate, sometimes reckless... My dad was a military man. He defended Ukraine. I know there is a war going on, and my dad was defending our country from it. He protected me and my mother, our neighbors, my grandmother... He left his soul there, which is still guarding the Ukrainian borders. I want to be like him: always adhere to standards of morality and dignity, help people in need. That's why, when I'm a little older, I also want to become like my father: a person with a capital letter. I am clearly aware that in a few years I will have to choose my profession. Me, work, society... My biggest dream is to bring material and spiritual wealth to society, and to give poetic inspiration to the people around me, to fill their hearts with a sense of the joy of being. A favorite profession, work not out of compulsion, but according to the call of the heart, will give me moral satisfaction and happiness in life, will make me purposeful. I want my future to be meaningful, and I want to be carefree. I see my destiny in the profession that I choose consciously: military serviceman. Maybe not to the end today I understand the meaning of the chosen profession. But I clearly know that I will serve Ukraine according to the laws of the Armed Forces, work with people. I will protect every person and cleanse the earth from evil. Farmers, miners, metallurgists, machine builders, professors, and scientists demand this protection. I will always remember the words of my favorite poet Lina Kostenko:
"Man, although he does not fly, And it has wings, and it has wings..."
I want to help people spread their wings for a free life. After the grief I have experienced, I pray every day for my dad's friends and for all the military in general. For their health and life. I pray to save these people from danger. I pray for their victory and want them to return from the war safe and sound. I want to protect all of them, all of us and our Ukraine with my "wings". Now I am only seventeen, but my views on life are serious and confident, my words sound conscious and determined. Those who have experienced a lot grow up early. Therefore, I speak quite responsibly about things that are important to me. You will say: "You are still so small!" Let. However, it is my thoughts that embody faith in the bright future of Ukraine and that my father gave his life not in vain.
Victoria Serdyuk, 14 years old, Novoaleksandrivka
Fatherland and mother are not chosen! Perhaps that is why these two words are often used side by side. After all, we also call the Motherland a mother. Each of us imagines the native faces of our parents, friends, and relatives under the word "Motherland". But a thorny and difficult road has passed through the entire country in our time. Multi-colored lights flash, the rainbow spanned the entire horizon with its ribbons, uniting both ends of my native country, my Ukraine! East and west together, north and south of Ukraine - one! Why can't we live peacefully in this world? Look around! The earth trembles from the explosions of terrible weapons; trees fall as if cut down; houses are being destroyed; people and flowers wither; crushed grass dries; the sun dims from smoke and soot. Human moans and cries can be heard far away, the birds are quiet with their gentle singing. The fierce enemy came to us... But we rose to the defense of our suffering mother- land of Ukrainian soldiers. They left their parents, wives, children, interesting work, ordinary life at home and set out on the path of battle. For the native region and for the native Motherland. Hundreds, thousands, millions of boys, men and even women stood up to defend the Motherland. A sense of duty to the state and citizens leads them to fight. If a person cannot live without the Motherland, he is sad and suffers; if she is ready to give her own life for her freedom and honor, then this value is extremely high for her. This is what our defenders are fighting for, who wish for peace, harmony and prosperity for all of our Ukraine. The soldiers who were in our village became real friends for me, only much older. They are indispensable participants in all events held at the lyceum, and meetings with them were interesting and useful for me. It was only now, when I grew up, that I understood everything: looking at me and my friends, talking to us, they probably remembered their children, that they were waiting for them. Guys from Lviv, Ternopil, Kyiv, Poltava gave us a piece of their heart, as if it were their own children. Now there are no soldiers in our village, they have returned home. But I will never forget the hours I spent with them. I will always remember that I have them, and that's it thanks to this feeling, I rejoice every day, study, rest and bow low to our defenders for this, because I always feel: they are nearby! Honor and glory to all the heroes of my country!
Iryna Tatarchenko, 14 years old, Lysychansk
Greetings! My name is Iryna. I was born and grew up in Alchevsk, but the war forced my parents to move to Lysychansk. Now I live here. I believe in the victory of Ukraine and in the fact that thanks to the Armed Forces, I will one day return to my Ukrainian Alchevsk. I dedicate my poem to you, protector!
I want to see a country without war Because I dream of returning home! I want after early spring Not a shot, but a rumble of thunder.
I want carefree mothers That they see their son off to work Their confidence in old age, That children will give them love and care.
I see a look that is not obscured by anything, A child with mom and dad Who sleeps at home with his family at night, And not in the trench next to the machine gun.
I see the future bright and close, Fulfilling the dreams of all children of the country. And the word "will", sacred to everyone - We are independent, strong and united!
I see a change in people's minds Everyone understands: this is his country. The Internet is full of selections of articles: "Alchevsk is my hometown - always Ukraine!
Oleg Bozych, 12 years old, Lysychansk
My mother taught me to love the Motherland; My mother taught me to live in peace, in harmony, Respect adults, protect children, Don't leave your Ukraine in trouble. But a terrible enemy came to the house, How many innocent people he lost! Our people were not afraid, they rose up against the beast, He gathered to defend the country with zeal. How much blood has been spilled, how many souls have died... Our heroic warrior took the land under his wing. We, Ukrainians, have always not been afraid of enemies - Nanny, our children are all united forever. As my mother taught, so I will live. I will love Ukraine and my family, To glorify the heroes who saved us all. And I will teach children to respect them!
Galina Retivova, 16 years old, Valuyske
When I see a warrior nearby My heart freezes with grief, Because each of them These heroes-fighters, May die in battle. I would give anything to end the war And she did not mutilate fate. Let the boys return alive, And they only go to the holiday parade. Smiling, happy, with their sons - defenders of their state. But while the brutal war continues, Let the danger pass them all. Let everyone congratulate Bows to them To heroes - fighters, They defend our home!
Nikita Bondarenko, 14 years old, Liman
I will never forget that day That day is forever in my memory, When at night I heard for the first time Anti-aircraft fire and the roar of planes.
Collected things... "A week or two, no more!" We left from Luhansk then. "We'll be back! Everything will be as before!" It's already August... September... And so the years have passed...
A lot of time has passed Since that terrible day. Now we live here, the trouble is forgotten, And this city is now my hometown.
With gratitude, I say to the soldiers: "Thank you For the fact that you defend our land, I believe: we will be able to return to our native home And live in unity and happiness there!"
May the Cossack spirit be strong Will always be by your side! Ukraine from abroad You release, and we are with you!
protect our country Our native Motherland! To make our language sound From Luhansk to Lviv!
Nirvana Swallow, 9 years old, Scribbler
Children's drawings Instead of wallpaper. Machine gun queues The roar of an armored personnel carrier. The enemy is on the offensive... But it will not pass! Parents stood up as a wall For a young life.
Denys Podlisny, 14 years old, Starobilsk
You stand on guard of the country, The warrior is courageous, brave. You defend my native Ukraine, You have a beautiful soul. I am writing to you because I have something to say Very important words: "I will always respect you, We are united by a common land!"
Kateryna Yeromchenko, matchmaker
We do not know their names, Who is waiting for them, who is crying for them, Where is the home left, how the war hurts, What kind of heart do they have - quick or patient.
Are they afraid when everything burns When the ruins, death before the eyes? In a terrible battle, every moment is important, And each of them has wings behind their shoulders.
Dreams and oblivion are unknown to us, All their wounds, all the words of farewell, They are soldiers who lay down their lives, For our sake and a peaceful dawn.
We will pray for them without names, For a little luck, bright, simple. In the time of terrible betrayals and losses, so bitter, And without names, they are heroes for us!
Anna Tsarevska, 10 years old, carol song
So unexpected again war came to my village. Explosions again, people are afraid And fear reigns everywhere... But the defenders came, And they brought peace of mind. A soldier stands in the middle of the village, He holds a machine gun in his hand. It stands as the great-grandfather stood here, Many years ago. He will protect us and cover us. He will help, warm. He will not take a step back. He will not be frightened by "hail". So that a peaceful life has come, and happiness in families was forgotten. Let the beloved country know how passionately he loves her and, not sparing life, protects from invaders.
Kiril Zavhorodny, 13 years old, Scribbler
They came to the defense of Ukraine Her best son. Homes, families left, And plunged into the maelstrom of war. The work is real, manly - Protect the native land. So may God protect them And Ukraine, our native mother!
Victoria Piddiacha, 16 years old, Belutsk
Time flies, years fly away, Every day is as unique as a moment. Survive on a tightrope In our heart, our nerves are pounding.
Those days and nights are unforgettable When he played in the smoky flames Mutilated, covered in blood Our native land is Luhansk Palav.
The earth groaned from the heavy guns, When the executioner set foot on his native land... But the people in the village did not surrender! They fought the horde as best they could!
They collected weapons, pasted leaflets, They were waiting for the liberators to come to us. And they worked as hard as ever So that the time of victory has come sooner.
Overcame all bad weather together, And again people felt the spirit of freedom. The fighting people always win Because he faithfully protects his native land!
It has always been so, is and always will be, As long as we fight - we are strong free people!
Elizaveta Sokolenko
Ukraine, my beloved land, May you always live alone! Because the Lord himself protects you, Protects from calamity and trouble. From time immemorial, we used to do it this way - To protect the suffering people. So that ears of corn grow in the fields And the ford did not trample their boots. The spirit of the Cossack heart has not died yet! He lives, he dwells in hearts! Armed Forces - something to be proud of! – They proudly hold their flag! Valor, courage of the sons of Ukraine The whole world was and continues to be surprised. And our people will never perish: The Armed Forces are the flower of the nation! Do not break the eyelids of the spirit of freedom While we have defenders. Independence of the Cossack family We will bring it to the ages to come!