Ukraine is the center and heart of Europe! And not only by geography, but also by values and our aspirations. In 2014, we proved it on the Maidan and today we prove it every day with our struggle to preserve freedom, democracy and European values not only in Ukraine, but throughout Europe.

Much has been done in the country in order to be in a large European family. Ratification in September 2014 of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, obtaining in 2017 the opportunity for citizens of Ukraine to travel to EU countries without visas, constitutional consolidation in February 2019 of the irreversibility of Ukraine's course towards the EU and NATO, submission by Ukraine in February 2022 of an application for accession to the EU and obtaining on June 23, 2022 status Candidate for EU membership — these are the most important steps of our country on the way to the EU, which confirm the conscious choice of the Ukrainian people and our European belonging.

Naturally, after determining the choice of Ukrainian society, state institutions also began to restart. In cooperation with European partners, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has been reformed into a law enforcement agency of the European model, which now, in difficult conditions of war, continues to strengthen its capabilities, carry out consistent reforms and create changes for the benefit of Ukrainians, which is an indisputable manifestation of democracy.

Ukrainian law enforcement officers have learned to work in new conditions, guided by the basic values of respect for human rights, human dignity and the rule of law. And although the functions of the police have expanded significantly, the goal remained the only one — to preserve people's lives and ensure them as safe as possible.

From the first day of the full-scale Russian invasion, the bodies and units of the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, which make up a quarter of the country's defense forces, take an active part in hostilities and make every effort to confront the enemy. Border guards, national guards, policemen, rescuers demonstrate their courage, determination and steadfastness for the freedom of our state, protecting its territorial integrity and independence.

Women also joined the protection of the state at the level of men, whose share in the units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is more than 30%, which is certainly evidence of the observance of the principle of gender equality.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs continues to work tirelessly every day for the great victory of Ukraine, which fights for a prosperous, peaceful, free and democratic world for all! United and strong in a common war for immutable values and peace for future generations!