Congratulations on the anniversary of the brigade's creation!
Freedom does not come by itself. It has never been a gift, it did not come "from above," it was not based on words.
It has always been fought for. Equal to equals. With sweat and blood.
Once upon a time, it was the Cossacks who rose up for their land, their language, their name. They went into the steppe, into battle, into the night — not for glory, but so that their people could remain a people. So that we could live not in submission, but with our heads held high.
Today, it is the defenders. The same people, only in a new century.
The same voices in their hearts, the same skies above their heads, the same roots that keep them from falling.
Where they once marched on horseback, Ukrainian soldiers now march on foot, in armour, with drones and artillery.
Where they once raised their banners, Ukrainian soldiers now raise their flags at our positions.
"A century separates us. But the struggle is the same. Because some things never change. Love for one's homeland. The right to be oneself. Freedom that cannot be bought or forgotten.
Those who serve here do not talk about freedom — they carry it on their shoulders.
Those who know: we are not the first, nor will we be the last in this struggle. We are the continuation. We are the unbroken line. And we will prove, as they did, that Ukraine will be free.
Not because they will give it to us. But because we will not give it up," say members of the 54th Brigade.