Today, Ukraine honors the memory of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes—people who defended our nation’s right to freedom, dignity, and democratic development at the cost of their own lives. This date became a turning point in Ukraine’s modern history, a symbol of the Ukrainian society’s resilience in the face of violence and pressure.
On this day in 2014 mass shootings of peaceful participants of the Revolution of Dignity took place in the center of Kyiv. Security forces used firearms against unarmed people, resulting in numerous casualties.

Among the Heavenly Hundred Heroes were natives of Crimea. In particular, Crimean native Serhiy Kemsky, a journalist, public figure, and active participant in the protests. He was killed on February 20, 2014, on Instytutska Street in Kyiv, after receiving a fatal sniper wound to the neck.

On the very same day, the Russian Federation began the active phase of its occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. The appearance of armed units without insignia on the peninsula marked the beginning of a gross violation of international law, sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Since then, temporarily occupied Crimea has become a territory of systematic human rights violations. Crimean Tatars, pro-Ukrainian activists, independent journalists, and all those who openly expressed support for Ukraine have faced persecution.

The events of February 20, 2014, became a symbol of a dual challenge for the Ukrainian state—a struggle for freedom within the country and resistance against external aggression. It was then that the foundation of Ukraine’s ongoing struggle was laid.

The memory of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes serves as a reminder of the price of freedom and the responsibility to preserve Ukraine’s independence.

Eternal Glory to the Heavenly Hundred Heroes and to all who died in the fight for the freedom and territorial integrity of Ukraine