Rodion Kochubey, Acting Head of the Managing Board of The Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine, now Suspilne Ukraine, congratulated Tinatin Berdzenishvili, Director General of the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB), on Independence Day.

In the congratulatory letter, Rodion Kochubey said freedom is “no gift and the struggle for it never ends.”

However, in his words, Ukraine is blessed to have true friends in defending justness and fighting for freedom. “Together we stay, together we fight, together we will win!” Rodion Kochubey stressed.

“On behalf of the Joint Stock Company “Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine” (Suspilne Ukraine), I would like to express our warmest congratulations on Georgia’s Independence Day!

Everything in this world comes with a price, and so does freedom. Georgia’s journey to independence has been marked by the resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit of its people. Throughout its long history, the Georgian nation fought for its right to self-determination, weathered the storms of oppression, overcame hardships, and emerged stronger like a mountain range rising above the valleys and standing tall as a free and independent land — a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people.

This was further proven by the recent protests, showcasing the Georgian people’s determination in standing up for their rights and upholding democratic values. As Ukraine and Georgia share a long history of friendship — rooted in our common values and aspirations — it is the support and solidarity of our neighbouring nations that strengthen our bonds and lend us the strength to overcome any hardships.

Let me extend my best wishes for the prosperity of your country and the welfare of its courageous people, as well as gratitude for the support on the level of democratic instruments, such as Public Service Media. GPB’s benevolent efforts to lend Ukraine a helping hand through a series of heartfelt initiatives — from establishing a dedicated hotline with vital information for Ukrainians residing in Georgia to the “We for Ukraine” fundraising concert — mean the most. Besides, we are especially grateful to GPB for the invaluable gesture of retransmitting a live broadcast of Ukrainian Radio through its own streaming system on the Internet, thus providing our fellow citizens with access to Ukrainian programming. This unwavering solidarity is further exemplified by the Ukrainian anthem resonating through the airwaves of Georgian radio each day, serving as a powerful testament to Georgia’s compassion, thus fostering a deep sense of unity and shared values between our nations.

Freedom is no gift, and thus the struggle for it never ends. In these most trying times, Ukraine, however, was blessed to have true friends standing by our side — friends who are no strangers to defending justness and fighting for freedom, friends who deserve to share our joint victory over this unprecedented injustice, brutality, and evil.

Together we stay, together we fight, together we will win!” reads the letter.