This event was established by the UN General Assembly resolution of 30 November 1982 and is celebrated annually on 21 September. In Ukraine, this day has been an official date since 2002, according to the Presidential Decree of 5 February 2002.
Today, peace is a cherished and special thing for Ukrainians. It is a conscious goal to bring the Victory closer, because only under this condition is it possible for the Ukrainian people to live in peace, to enjoy their right to be happy in their own country, and to build a democratic, prosperous and beautiful country. The bloody struggle for this right has been going on for ten years. Seventy-one Kyiv Polytechnic graduates gave their lives in this war. Over the years, every Ukrainian family has experienced the highest value of peace, which is the key to a happy life. For them, peace does not mean surrender and losing the war, but rather the daily work of every Ukrainian citizen at the front and in the rear for the sake of victory. After all, Ukrainians have gone through so many trials, grief and losses that they truly understand the value of peace.
On the 575th day, Ukrainian heroes and heroines are dying on the frontlines, defending and regaining our land. Civilians, children, women, and the elderly are dying under bombardment. Thousands of children have been abducted and forcibly taken to Russia. Thousands of people are under occupation and suffer from the invaders, hunger, and inhumane conditions. And even today, on the International Day of Peace, Russia has carried out massive drone strikes and bombings across almost the entire territory of Ukraine. Civilians have been killed, homes and other civilian and critical infrastructure destroyed.
The UN calls on all countries of the world to stop hostilities, wherever they are, and to stop shedding blood. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, US President Joseph Biden, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and many other world leaders demanded an end to Russia's aggression against Ukraine from the rostrum of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly on 19 September 2023. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a proposal to reform the veto as a key reform of the UN at a meeting of the UN Security Council on 20 September 2023.
We express our deep gratitude and respect to all the defenders of the Motherland, the entire international community and the leaders of the countries that support Ukraine, stand by us and provide assistance in the fight against the aggressor. Our sincere wishes and prayers go out to all Ukrainian citizens who are bringing the coveted Victory and peace closer by fighting for the freedom and independence of our country. We wish you strength, determination and endurance in this difficult struggle. May Victory, peace and stability return to our country as soon as possible.
Rector of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute Mykhailo Zgurovsky