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I realized the price of freedom
Historian A. Nikžentaitis, who recently returned from Ukraine, noted that Ukraine has changed significantly in recent years.
“Despite the war, the coronavirus, Ukraine has made great strides in recent years. Talking to the Ukrainians, there is a ‘cutting of the umbilical cord’ of Russia, which has always kept Ukraine tied to its influence.” 15 minutes stated A. Nikžentaitis.
According to the historian, in order to better understand the differences between the period of independence of Lithuania and Ukraine, it is necessary to remember Belarus.
“It is sometimes said that Belarus has reluctantly become independent. If we look at Ukraine, it is an intermediate option between Lithuania and Belarus.
In western Ukraine, the aspiration for independence was born at a time similar to that of Lithuania, but in the central and eastern part the situation was more similar to that of Belarus.
Reuters / Photo by Scanpix / Flag of Ukraine
Only now do we see a certain diffusion of the ideas of western Ukraine throughout the country. Now they have become national. Comparing our fight for freedom with ours, the Ukrainians now say that their delay was very costly and that is the price they are paying for not taking steps forward sooner. ” 15 minutes said the historian.
According to A. Nikžentaitis, the Ukrainians realize that the path of their liberation is not yet over and that there will still be a lot to pay for it.
“In recent years, Ukraine has abandoned the exaggerated illusions about aid from other countries. There is a certain danger here that the country will incline to self-isolation. However, at the same time, it can be seen as a reproach to us as part of the western community, maybe we could do more, ”added A. Nikžentaitis.
Ukrainians are welcome
Since the Maidan Revolution and the beginning of the war in Lithuania, Lithuania has demonstrated its support for Kiev at the highest level. According to A. Nikžentaitis, Lithuanian society is also aware of the importance of this support.
“We must not forget the help that may not be visible: the work of several of our experts in the restructuring of structures in Ukraine.
Of course, we must further institutionalize our cooperation with Ukraine and make it part of our daily work. This process has not yet finished “, 15 minutes said the historian.
Photo by Julius Kalinskas / 15min / Alvydas Nikžentaitis
In recent years, several Ukrainians have come to Lithuania to live and work, and although stories about their exploitation in the workplace are sometimes made public, A. Nikžentaitis is convinced that Lithuanians are favorable to this nation, and the stories are faster in a barrel of tar honey.
“There are problems, but they can be found everywhere. Despite separate histories, the integration of Ukrainians in Lithuania is progressing smoothly. There is no hostility in our society towards Ukrainians or representatives of other nationalities who come to our country to work. .
We have very good examples: Russian-language studies are popping up at individual universities, which are primarily aimed at Russian-speaking Ukrainians. Furthermore, in many cities, the establishment of kindergartens where the Ukrainian language is spoken is already being considered, ”said A. Nikžentaitis.
AFP / Scanpix Photo / Independence Day of Ukraine
He also celebrated Independence Day in Vilnius.
On Tuesday, Ukraine’s Independence Day was also celebrated in Lithuania. Olha Proskura, Ukrainian living in Vilnius 15 minutes She stated that the Independence Day commemoration was important to her even when she was abroad.
“As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence abroad, I realize that love for the motherland is only stronger. Mainly because there is a greater need for self-identification when living abroad. Also, in Lithuania, As in my homeland, I can proudly say that I am Ukrainian.
Second, I have been involved in protests in Ukraine many times and have come to understand perfectly well: who else can do it but ourselves? And in Lithuania, which has been a member of the European Union for 17 years, I understand what my country could be like. I realize that my country is not fighting in vain “, 15 minutes stated O. Proskura.
According to her, change is not happening quickly, revolutions are not happening in a year, so Ukraine still has to go its own way.
“Today we raise the flags of Lithuania and Ukraine, expressing gratitude to their brave little nation for many years of friendship, support and hospitality to all Ukrainians. Thank you, Lithuania,” said O. Proskura.
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