Dear students, teachers, staff, and friends of Sumy State University!

I sincerely congratulate you on the Ukrainian Statehood Day, which we celebrate on 15 July. It is the day of honoring St. Vladimir the Great, Equal to the Apostles, and the Baptism of Rus-Ukraine.

This holiday was established by the Decree of the Ukrainian President in 2021. It is intended to strengthen national unity and emphasize power of Ukrainian statehood from the times of Kievan Rus to the present day. It was Kievan Rus that became the first form of Ukrainian statehood, and the baptism of 988 determined the European vector of our cultural and spiritual development.

Today in the context of war, the Ukrainian Statehood Day takes on even deeper meaning. It is not only a reminder of our glorious past, but also an affirmation of our right to be independent, free, and strong in our own state. It is a day of pride, remembrance, and resilience for the Ukrainian people.

I wish us all strength of spirit, confidence in victory, and unity for future of our country. May faith, knowledge, and love for Ukraine inspire us to new achievements for a prosperous future together!

With respect,

Vasyl KARPUSHA

Rector of Sumy State University