Bakumov Made a Statement about Kharkiv Ahead of City Day

Member of Parliament Oleksandr Bakumov. Photo: press service of the Rada

Member of Parliament Oleksandr Bakumov congratulated Kharkiv on the upcoming City Day and spoke in support of its residents. He emphasized that despite Russian attacks, destruction, and constant threats, Kharkiv continues to live and work. According to the deputy, the main task now is not only to endure but also to develop the city, return people and students, and create conditions for its future.

Bakumov said this during a session of the Verkhovna Rada on Friday, 21 August, as reported by News.LIVE.

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Bakumov urged not only to defend Kharkiv but also to develop it.

Bakumov noted that Kharkiv has lived next to war for years, and after heavy shelling the city continues to function. In the mornings after shellings, coffee shops open, doctors go to work, teachers teach children, utilities restore electricity and heating, and entrepreneurs continue to operate.

According to the deputy, Kharkiv became a fortress of Ukraine in the early days of the full-scale invasion when Russian troops sought to capture the city.

“Russia sought to leave Kharkiv without light, without heat, without peace. It destroyed houses, universities, enterprises, whole blocks. But it failed to destroy the main thing—the character of Kharkiv,” Bakumov said.

He thanked the military, volunteers, National Guards, border guards, and police who defended the city and did not allow Russian forces to advance further.

Separately, the deputy noted the work of rescuers, medical workers, volunteers, utilities, and all residents of Kharkiv who stayed in the city or returned home.

What Kharkiv should be like after the war

Bakumov stressed that Kharkiv must not only endure but continue to develop. Among the main tasks he named the return of people and students, development of science and enterprises, and the reconstruction of the city.

“Kharkiv has withstood, but our task is greater than merely enduring. Kharkiv must live, develop, return people, bring students back to classrooms, develop science and enterprises, and build the future,” the deputy said.

He also urged the state to provide frontline cities with necessary support, protection, and development prospects.

At the end of his speech, Bakumov congratulated Kharkiv residents on the upcoming City Day and urged members of Parliament to support the greeting with applause.

As News.LIVE reported, in Kharkiv on City Day, 23 August, the popular Sky Illumination “Starry Sky” would not be turned on due to the security situation. The decision was made after consultations with the military, who were strictly against its use. At the same time, there will be no mass official celebrations, but the city has been decorated with new installations and festive decor.

News.LIVE also reported how Kharkiv is preparing for City Day, which will be celebrated 23 August. In the center and parks, blue-and-yellow decorations, thematic installations, floral arrangements, and photo zones have been installed, with some decorations still being assembled. Among the new features are large decorative figures, compositions with Ukrainian ornaments, and the inscription “Kharkiv is in our hearts.”