Kira Rudik Speaks at Bouquet Kyiv Festival on Ukraine's 35th Anniversary of Independence

Kira Rudik, Member of Parliament of Ukraine and leader of the Holos party, took part in a public discussion at the Saint Sophia of Kyiv National Sanctuary during the Bouquet Kyiv Festival. Together with diplomat Oleg Shamshur and British historian Peter Dickinson, the panel reflected on Ukraine's 35 years since the restoration of its independence, the evolution of the country's international image, and the transformation of Ukrainian society. During the discussion, Rudik compared Ukraine's 35 years of independence to a person turning 35. "At 35, you know exactly who you are not, while still having the courage to keep searching for your own path. I believe Ukraine is going through a similar stage today," she said. According to Rudik, Ukraine is steadily overcoming its sense of inferiority and the need for external validation. Russia's full-scale invasion has demonstrated to the world that Ukraine is not only capable of defending itself, but also of driving innovation, developing cutting-edge technologies, and contributing to global security. "We are an independent nation. A young democracy, but a state with more than a thousand years of history. That is why we should stand tall and hold our heads high," Rudik concluded.