Thank you for the invitation, dear friends. I have always believed in Ukrainian diversity—the ability of our people to think differently and to find creative solutions in the most difficult situations. This diversity helps us surmount the serious challenges our country faces, especially during war.
Today, in these trying times, Zakarpattia becomes a model for supporting the economy. We are seeking answers as to whether initiative and development are possible in one part of the country while another is being destroyed by the aggressor. The starting point must be balancing resistance and development to ensure our survival regardless of how long the war lasts.
The Russian-Ukrainian war is not a conflict with a quick ending. Our task is to survive and turn the conflict into an opportunity for development, not a road to hopelessness. It's important to see such crises both as a test and as a chance to remain humane.
The concept of integrity plays a special role. Integrity is a personal choice, the ability to act despite threats. The example of righteous Lydia Savchuk—who helped save Jews during WWII at great personal risk—demonstrates the highest form of humanity.
Ukrainian society must prioritize: country, family, self. If the country is lost, families and individuals will not exist here. Survival should be achieved together—not at the expense of others.
War also reveals another crucial aspect—the importance of ensuring evil does not become the norm. We must preserve morality and value truth, even when there is temptations to lie. The integrity shown by our defenders, volunteers, and activists is the foundation of our future.
The Ukrainian people can only protect themselves in an independent state. This is history's lesson. True integrity lies in the willingness to sacrifice, support one another, and defend the right to exist.
Thank you for your commitment and resilience, friends. In our situation, integrity is Ukraine itself.
