Ukraine’s Independence Day — Freedom, Sovereignty and Our Place in the Global Financial Community

Aug 24

2 min read

Dear UkrSwift members, colleagues, partners and friends,

On 24 August, Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day — the anniversary of the restoration of Ukrainian statehood and the reaffirmation of the Ukrainian people’s fundamental right to determine their own future.

Today, the meaning of independence is particularly profound. Ukrainians are defending not only the territory of their country, but also their right to live in a free European state, to build their own institutions and to participate in the international community as a sovereign nation.

UkrSwift — the national community of Swift members and users in Ukraine — became possible because Ukraine regained its independence.

An independent Ukraine was able to establish its own banking and financial system, develop its own professional institutions, and represent the Ukrainian financial community internationally.

For UkrSwift, independence therefore has a very practical meaning. It gives us the opportunity to speak with Ukraine’s own voice, represent the interests of our financial community internationally, contribute to the development and implementation of global financial standards, and further integrate Ukraine into the global financial infrastructure.

We believe that Ukraine’s victory will have significance far beyond our borders. We look forward to a future in which all peoples still living under Moscow’s domination can freely determine their own destiny, establish their own states and institutions, and participate independently in the international community.

We hope that one day these free nations will develop their own financial systems, professional communities and, where appropriate, their own national communities of Swift members and users.

International cooperation is strongest when it is cooperation among free nations.

On Ukraine’s Independence Day, we honour the Ukrainian men and women who defend our freedom. We remember those who have given their lives for Ukraine’s independence, and we thank everyone who continues to defend our country and build its future.

We wish Ukraine victory, a just and lasting peace, the restoration of its territorial integrity, and a prosperous future as a strong European state.