Andy March - CCLL Charity #StandWithUkraine

Today marks the beginning of a new school year, and despite all the enemy’s attempts to disrupt the school year, our children have begun their studies. It is very important that children have started school. It is very important that so much has been prepared. I congratulate our first-graders, all schoolchildren, parents, and our entire country on September 1. At one of the schools in the Kyiv region, which was rebuilt after the Russians completely destroyed it in 2022, I spoke with students and the educational institution's administration. I thank all the school staff for their work. I thank the parents who, despite air raid alerts and Russian attacks, remain in Ukraine and, together with teachers, make every effort to ensure that our children can study at home, in Ukraine.

Yesterday, the President of Poland noted that the Order of the White Eagle is not an ordinary award. It is a symbol of the highest trust of the Republic of Poland. It signifies a special bond with the Polish state and the special gratitude of the Polish People. Such a symbol requires not only merit, but also respect for the values that form the foundation of our community. Therefore, if it is considered that this special symbol may remain with Catherine II, Benito Mussolini, and Gerhard Schröder, then we in Ukraine will not argue with that. Ukraine is grateful to the Polish People for their support and cooperation, which play a significant role in the struggle for our and your independence from Russia. Ukraine never forgets solidarity and understands that cooperation between states and peoples in our region is one of the tangible security guarantees for Ukrainians and for each neighboring state. Ukraine will continue to defend itself in this war unleashed by Russia, and we will undoubtedly achieve a dignified peace. Ukraine is grateful to all peoples, states, and leaders who will continue to stand with us in the defense of freedom and who, together with Ukraine, will serve as guarantors of postwar peace in Europe and a new, real security. Ukraine will remain open to all meaningful formats of engagement with Poland in order to try to avoid conflicting interpretations of the difficult and painful chapters of our shared past and to ensure proper respect for all innocent victims of the 20th century. And Ukrainians are doing everything in our power to ensure that Europe does not suffer defeat in this century. I am proud of our people and of EVERY Ukrainian warrior – of the millions of Ukrainian men and women who deserve unquestionable respect for the heroism the Ukrainian People have shown in defending themselves against Russian aggression. We believed that the Order of the White Eagle, awarded in 2023, was meant for the Ukrainian People and our army. That is what was said at the time. Today, I sent the Order back to the President of Poland. I believe the future will confirm the respect Ukrainians deserve. Glory to Ukraine!

It is important that the world does not remain silent in response to this latest act of Russian barbarism. This strike on the Lavra is an attack on the Christian community and on the cultural heritage of humanity. There can be no justification for this or for any other similar Russian attacks. What is needed is more cooperation to stop Russia’s war and stronger protection to save lives from Russia.

Over this week, the Russians have launched more than 2,300 attack drones, nearly 1,560 guided aerial bombs, and 108 missiles of various types against our people. All these strikes were directed simply at ordinary civilian infrastructure – residential buildings and energy facilities. Every day, we are working to ensure greater protection against Russian terror. Yesterday, we received a new IRIS-T launcher. We thank Germany for its constant contribution to protecting people; thousands upon thousands of lives have been saved thanks to such strong support. But we also need missiles for air defense systems so that we have sufficient capabilities to repel Russian attacks. This week, there were significant arrangements with Sweden – a new support package, including for strengthening our aviation with Gripen fighter jets. As for the PURL initiative, there are new contributions this year, and support for this initiative must continue. We are counting on both the United States and European partners. It is anti-ballistic defense that is one of the key priorities for Ukraine. Strong air defense can provide greater protection for our people and deprive Russia of its last remaining advantage. I thank all partners who are helping, who are ready to respond effectively to Moscow’s attempts to expand and escalate its war. It is very important that this be clearly understood there: choosing war will have consequences. I am grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine.