UWC commemorates Remembrance Day and honors all who fought for freedom

On Remembrance Day, the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) and Ukrainian communities around the world honor the memory of the millions of victims and the brave men and women who served with courage and conviction in defense of their nations and shared values. 

The UWC, which represents over 20 million Ukrainians worldwide in more than 60 countries and which holds special consultative status with the United Nations, joins the international community in paying tribute to the selfless sacrifices in defending the fundamental rights and freedoms that we continue to uphold today.

This day on Nov. 11 is traditionally observed each year to mark the end of hostilities in World War I in 1918. The Great War brought profound political, cultural, economic, and social changes across Europe, Asia, and the world, bringing an end to many empires.

Yet, contrary to hopes that the era of empires had ended, the Russian Empire managed to transform itself. Today’s Russian Federation remains a “prison of nations,” pursuing a systematic policy of forced assimilation against subjugated indigenous peoples. Russia now wages a brutal imperialist war of aggression against Ukraine and its people. The Kremlin commits horrific atrocities, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Beyond this, Russia has for decades sponsored terrorist and destabilizing groups in various regions, seeking to undermine transatlantic unity and dismantle the rules-based international order.

Today, we remember all who have fallen for freedom and stand firmly with everyone defending Ukraine in its modern struggle for sovereignty and independence against deadly Russian imperialism. We bow in respect to the courageous defenders of Ukraine, who risk their lives not only for their country but for the fundamental values of the free world.

In these challenging times, we call on the international democratic community to remember the tragic lessons of history. We must continue to stand resolutely with Ukraine, providing all necessary support. We cannot allow democracy and freedom to lose, nor Russia and its authoritarian allies to return the world to the age of empires and colonial wars.

Let us honour their sacrifices.

Heroes do not die!