On November 11, we commemorate the anniversary of the liberation of Kherson from occupation – an event that became a symbol of the indomitable Ukrainian spirit and the strength of our army. This day reminds us of the steadfastness and heroism of the soldiers who, risking their lives, returned the city home, and of the indomitable people of Kherson who remained loyal to Ukraine even in the most difficult times. We remember all those who fought and gave their lives for the freedom of Kherson. We are proud, support and step forward, because together we are a force that will win.

Russia continues illegal efforts to attempt to annex and legitimize temporary occupation of the part of the territory of Ukraine politically and economically.

We draw the attention of international community to the fact that people in the TOT of Ukraine live in the reality of political repression, torture, coercion, cultural assimilation and militaristic indoctrination as well as call on the world to increase solidary pressure on Russia to force it to comply with the rules established by IHL in relation to the territories under the effective control of the occupying administration.

#KHERSONISUKRAINE #STANDWITHUKRAINE

Russia continues its illegal efforts to annex and legitimise politically and economically its temporary occupation of part of the territory of Ukraine. We highlight the struggle of millions of Ukrainians facing hardship and pressure in the TOTs and urge increased international action to ensure humanitarian access to them in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Russia severely violates the right to freedom of religion or belief in the TOTs of Ukraine, targeting the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Catholics, Evangelicals, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Muslims.

Russia restricts access to education for children in the temporarily occupied territories. The occupiers are taking steps to undermine and erase Ukrainian cultural identity, assimilate the Ukrainian population and militarise Ukrainian children for re-education, indoctrination with hostile narratives and preparation for war against their homeland. The international community must respond to such actions as a violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.

On 6 June 2023, the Russians committed one of the greatest acts of terrorism of the 21st century by blowing up the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam. This war crime resulted in the flooding of around 80 towns and villages. Russia’s terrorist attack caused 146 billion UAH of environmental damage, and this is only the current amount, as the left bank part of the Kherson region remains temporarily occupied. The KHPP had accumulated 18 km³ of water before it was blown up, and 14 km³ of this was lost after it was destroyed by Russia. As a result, wells are the only way residents of the Kherson region have access to drinking water. The explosion of the KHPP by Russia was a heinous and unpunished war crime of ecocide, an environmental weapon of mass destruction that has emboldened Russia to commit new atrocities, such as the attempts to destroy the Dnipro HPP dam, the Dniester HPP and the Kaniv HPP.

On 11 November we will celebrate the second anniversary of the liberation of Kherson from Russian occupation – a day that fills our hearts with pride and reminds us of our indomitable spirit. This date is more than a memory; it is a promise – a promise that every town, every village in Ukraine, from east to west, from north to south, belongs to our people and to freedom itself.

On this day, we call on all of you, Ukrainians and those who stand with us in our struggle for sovereignty, to gather in the main squares and streets of our cities and towns. Stand with the flag of Kherson, with the flag of Ukraine, and with the words that echo our unyielding truth: “KHERSON IS UKRAINE”.

Let this be a message, loud and clear, to the world and to history: We are united. Our country is our soul, and our soul is invincible. This powerful display of unity will carry our voice, our hopes and our defiance. It will remind everyone that Ukraine stands firm and strong, in Kherson and in every centimeter of our homeland, in our quest for peace, for freedom, for a future where our children can live without fear.

Together we are stronger. Together we are free. And together we will see every corner of our country liberated.

Glory to Ukraine!

(With the support of the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh and the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Northern Ireland.)

Video: How the residents of Kherson meet and greet the Armed Forces of Ukraine: