NATO Secretary General congratulates Ukraine on Independence Day, quotes Taras Shevchenko

The NATO Secretary General posted a video message on Twitter. 

In it, Stoltenberg quoted the Ukrainian classic Taras Shevchenko's poem "Meni Odnakovo" (It's All the Same to Me): "it is not at all the same, if evil spawn will decimate the land, the wicked robbing in their frenzy, the place their goons have set aflame. No, really, it is not the same". And it is not all the same for NATO".

The Secretary General of NATO emphasized that the war between Russia and Ukraine is the closest crisis for European society since the Second World War. But, according to him, the Ukrainian army and people showed courage and tenacity and became an inspiration for the whole world.

Stoltenberg also stated that Ukrainians can count on the support of the Alliance as long as necessary. He stressed that NATO countries had stepped up their support after Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014, and that they had begun doing what they could after a full-scale invasion this year.

"At the summit in Madrid, NATO leaders made it clear: a strong, independent Ukraine is vital for the stability of the Euro-Atlantic region. Ukraine must win. And Ukraine will win. On your Independence Day, I wish you strength and success".