Kyrylo Budanov on the Heavenly Hundred: How the Maidan Revolution Forged a Nation.

Kyrylo Budanov's Address on the Day of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes

According to Novyny.live: On the Day of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes, Kyrylo Budanov issued a statement emphasizing the significance of this date as a day of remembrance and reflection on the choice for freedom made during the Maidan protests. He noted that it was on the Maidan that Ukrainians, for the first time in this millennium, took a stand for their liberty—not for glory or reward, but for the right to live in a free and independent nation. Budanov stressed that the participants in these events came from diverse ages, professions, and viewpoints, yet were all united by a shared responsibility for the future.

The events of those days did more than alter politics or history; they fundamentally transformed the Ukrainian people themselves. As Kyrylo Budanov stated,

“Dignity is not a grand word, but a choice that sometimes costs what is most precious.”

Honoring the fallen heroes of the Heavenly Hundred has become a crucial element of national memory. On this day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also paid tribute to those who died, highlighting their contribution to the struggle for freedom. The Maidan, also known as the Revolution of Dignity, was a pivotal moment that continues to define Ukraine's national identity and resistance.

Cabinet Decision and the Importance of Remembrance

Recall that in August 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to expand the category of citizens eligible for state benefits to include participants of the Maidan. This move represents a further step toward recognizing the importance of the Heavenly Hundred's sacrifice and their contribution to Ukraine's history.

Commemorating the Day of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes is not merely an act of remembrance; it is a reaffirmation of the values of freedom and dignity that form the foundation of the modern Ukrainian nation. Budanov's address underscores the need to reflect on these past events that shaped the present, as well as the importance of unity in the ongoing fight for the country's future. The extension of benefits to Maidan participants demonstrates official acknowledgment of their historic role and provides support for those who defended democratic values. Thus, the memory of the Heavenly Hundred remains profoundly relevant in the context of the contemporary challenges Ukraine faces.