Editor's Note: The following is an English-language translation of President Viktor Yanukovych's New Year's message to Ukraine, taken from his official website.
Dear fellow citizens!
In a few moments, year 2011 will end.
Ukraine has faced the challenges it brought with dignity. The passing year, without exaggeration, was crucial for our state.
We were building bridges and roads, schools and hospitals, stadiums and airports. We gathered record harvests. We opened Ukraine to the world.
Ukraine has reached a new level of relations with the European Union.
Ukrainians proved that our country's strength roots in the unity of its nation. And we will continue cherishing and strengthening this unity.
Dear fellow citizens!
We pin great hopes on the year 2012.
These moments, we all pray that our relatives were alive and healthy, that God protected us and helped us in all our endeavors.
I am sure the next year will bring every Ukrainian family happiness and prosperity, and Ukraine – success and well-being. We will continue modernizing our country, will continue building a modern, economically developed, democratic state.
Next year, we will be hosting the European Football Championship. We will give our guests a worthy welcome and show our true, natural Ukrainian hospitality.
I truly believe that the spirit of victory will consolidate our nation!
I wish us all good health, fortune, and dreams coming true!
Happy New Year 2012!
