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Freedom Collection

Interviews with Viktor Yushchenko

Interviewed November 23, 2024

I think that first and foremost, it is very important that a nation itself should answer these questions. It is a struggle. You know, freedom – it is not presented on a platter; independence is not presented on a platter. They are acquired in the struggle. In order to win in the fight, it is necessary to clearly understand the motives, to believe in them, to believe in the idea, to believe in and know your goal.

In other words, it is necessary to be sure about what you are doing. And, because we turn the discussion to democracy – and I am sorry that we do not have enough time – I would bring my arguments in regard to democracy and say the following: Slavery is never interesting; slavery is never productive. Finally, and, perhaps, this is the most important point: A slave never feels happiness. Only a free person can be happy.

Incidentally, the word democracy has a number of meanings, and all of them, as a rule, are very strong meanings. However, the meaning which I like the best is the one I want to recite, at least roughly: ‘Democracy – it is not something that can be given to you. Democracy – it is something you cannot give away.’ It is very important to understand about those challenges that democracy does not begin with president, that democracy does not begin with a head of state.

Democracy begins with you. With millions of us, with you feeling you are part of this grand goal. And not feeling that you should stand by and wait and wonder what will you receive. Democracy cannot be brought by servants, as freedom cannot be brought by tanks. You need to choose – whether in Cuba, or Belarus, or North Korea – those questions can be answered only by you. Whether you want live like this, can live like this – this is your choice. If you do not want to – you can move mountains, if you do not want live like this. You are the power.