Premier Ranj Pillai is paying tribute to an important Ukrainian holiday.

“This Saturday, August 24 is the 33rd anniversary of Ukrainian Independence Day,” the premier said in a statement released today.

“In 1991, the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine was adopted by the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, creating the country’s own pathway for independent governance and sovereignty. This declaration affirms that the state of Ukraine is indivisible and will be ruled only by its own constitution.”

Pillai added “While the words of the declaration have been challenged by external forces since February 2022, Ukrainians’ belief in their independence and their fundamental right to an indivisible and self-governing state are clear, as is the Yukon’s support for their freedom.”

Another word in the declaration, translated to English, is “inviolable – that a thing will never be broken, infringed or dishonoured,” Pillai added.

“On this day, we support Ukraine and honour the country’s right to remain whole. An inviolable Ukraine means that their lands and people are free from outside interference and have the right to live peacefully and prosperously,” the premier said.