Tuesday, 25 August 2026

 Lee TARLAMIS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (14:27): Earlier this week Ukrainians all over the world celebrated Ukraine’s 35th independence day. They celebrated the united, undefeated and unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people as well as the preservation of their unique identity, language, traditions and culture. I proudly joined the rally at Federation Square to mark this occasion and to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian community along with parliamentary colleagues Michael Galea and Ann-Marie Hermans from this place and Matthew Guy and David Southwick from the other place.

It is important to acknowledge that on the 24 August 1991 Ukraine declared its independence, restoring the sovereign statehood of a nation. But this was not the beginning of Ukraine’s statehood; it was the culmination of a centuries-long history and a long struggle to regain a sovereign state. Ukrainians continue to pay an extraordinarily high price for their independence and freedom, and that same spirit of self-determination endures today, tested but unbroken, as Ukraine is once again defending its independence and territorial integrity against brutal and illegal Russian aggression. This struggle is not only for land but for the right to exist, for the freedom to choose one’s own future and to live in dignity. They are fighting to defend the international rules-based order so that this type of aggression cannot be perpetrated against others, and their response is one that will be noted throughout history and for generations to come.

Our solidarity with the resilient and defiant people of Ukraine remains steadfast as they fight for freedom, self-determination and human dignity. We continue to acknowledge the unwavering resolve, strength and bravery of the Ukrainian people in their justified and bold defiance. I want to thank everyone who has supported Ukraine and Ukrainians in this fight as we recommit to a strong and free Ukraine and a just and democratic future for all Ukrainians. Slava Ukraini.