They loved Ukraine very much but they were obliged to go to the worlds and to live in strange land. Thousands of our fellow-citizens abandoned their housing, took in their pockets a handful of native land and wheat, and went in searching of better life. They left because they wanted to live, to give birth and to bring up their children. In the end, they wanted to remain the Ukrainians.

Abroad, they spoke in native language, educated their children as patriots and created Ukrainian communities. So the Ukrainian Diaspora appeared. Today, according to various counts, it has up to 20 million persons all over the world.

In Soviet empire, we heard about them as about traitors. A communist propaganda has been forming this stereotype about Ukrainians who lived abroad. However, the reality was quite different.

The declaration of state independence in August 1991 became for the Ukrainians who lived abroad, almost the biggest holiday of their whole life. They actively supported the development of a young state, buying the premises for Ukrainian representative offices abroad. They helped morally, thoroughly supported Ukraine in the world, and returned her a historical and cultural heritage which was considered lost. They helped Ukraine to become a full member of the world community as soon as possible. Not having an opportunity to visit their native land or being born abroad, they feel themselves as Ukrainians and, in every possible ways they have defended the interests of Ukraine in the world.

At the capital’s Independence Square during the Revolution of Dignity, Diaspora actively helped us to become free from enslavement of a mafia clan. And when a native land found under threat of occupation of the Kremlin invaders, the Ukrainians from abroad actively help the Ukrainian army.

Recently, representatives of charitable organizations “Ukraine Abroad” and “United Ukrainian and American Committee of Help” have organized fund-raising and the purchase of humanitarian aid for Ukrainian scouts. These are medicines and medicinal substances which are extremely required during warfare, the necessaries of life as well as children’s drawings and the wishes of a speedy victory over the enemy of Ukraine.

The commanding and employees of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine sincerely thank the Ukrainians who lives abroad for supporting at this difficult time for all country and assure that they are ready to defend a native land till the last breath. Intelligence men express special gratitude to the young Ukrainians who their letters and drawings maintain their morale and inspire to new victories.