On the eve of the 2023 New Year

On the eve of the 2023 New Year, I want to congratulate our children in particular:

This year you learned what war is, not from other people's stories or movies - but live and nearby. Forgive us - your parents - for being unable to save you from this grief.

This is the most difficult year for every modern Ukrainian - every one of us.

Let your family and friends be always near you - moms and dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, your true friends.
Saint Nicholas will definitely bring you a wonderful and warm gift if they are with you.

If there are no relatives nearby - you will also have a New Year's gift - from Nicholas' assistants. Now there are a lot of them in Ukraine - hundreds, thousands, and millions.

They will always come to your aid, if necessary - just like all our Ukrainians in any corner of the world.

Children, the main thing now is that you have realised for yourself what peace and war are, friendship and betrayal, real help and empty promises, freedom, and occupation...

It would be better if you learned it wrong, but there`s nothing to be done - now you will remember it for the rest of your life. A long, happy, free, and interesting life.

I never thought I would become a teacher - but now I went to school with my colleagues to teach the subject "Mine Hazard" - and I am very happy about it.
Today it`s essential in our country.
Frankly speaking, I am not an excellent teacher, but at least I am sincere. I have always told and will tell you the truth - maybe harsh and difficult, but the truth.

I want to thank you - students, for your attention, interest, seriousness, deep knowledge beyond your years, and frank and mature questions.
In general, you have all grown up a lot this year...
I will never get tired of repeating - our Ukrainian children are the best!

Regardless of their age, our people nowadays have only one great desire - Our Victory, which will come very soon.

Each of us brings it closer - and Ukrainian children are here in the first rows. With your donations, creativity, and work! You are very strong!

Over the past few months, I have seen thousands of children's eyes in which there is no fear - but there is faith, willpower, and confidence in one's abilities!

Study, rejoice, and have fun as much as possible! Even with air alarms and blackouts! Today, Ukrainians have become a symbol of indomitability and struggle for freedom all over the world!

Today, Ukrainians have become a symbol of indomitability and struggle for freedom all over the world!
Always remember who you are, where you come from, and at what price we get this freedom!

Happy New Year!

Glory to our armed forces!
Everything will be Ukraine!
Glory to Ukraine!

P.S. the photo was taken at the Irpin 17th school during the awarding of the winners of the "Friends of the Patron" drawing competition