Memorial to Leonid Kravchuk unveiled at Baikove cemetery (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

On Tuesday, 9 January, a memorial to Leonid Makarovych Kravchuk, the first President of Ukraine, was unveiled at Baikove Cemetery in the centre of Kyiv, the cost of which was fully covered by the Surkis Brothers Foundation.

In a politically challenging period for our country, Leonid Kravchuk made a historic contribution to the development of a democratic society and the establishment of an independent Ukraine as an equal member of the international community.

Since 1995, Leonid Makarovych has served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of FC Dynamo Kyiv, and he has made a great contribution to the development of sports, and football in particular, in Ukraine. Leonid Kravchuk was a prominent figure of national importance, not only a functionary who could serve as an example for many, but also a true football fan.

"Dear Leonid Makarovych, dear Mr President". That is how I am honoured to address you from this place today, because today we are here to perpetuate the memory of a true statesman of Ukraine, the first President of an independent country - the man whose signature is on the act of collapse of the Soviet Union and creation of a new Ukrainian state. You know, I had the great honour of communicating with Leonid Makarovych for many years.

He was a model of political wisdom, true Ukrainianness and great patriotism and pain for his country, which we lack today. Because today is a very difficult time for Ukraine, and it seems to me that only today we can appreciate how much Leonid Makarovych did for our country. In addition to his statesmanship and the high level of Ukrainian culture, he was always a man with a good sense of humour, and he always had to find an approach that allowed him to look at any situation in a completely different way.

Today, all of us who are here have come with one goal in mind - to pay tribute to the great Ukrainian Leonid Kravchuk, who was, is and will remain in history for a long time. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the creation of this monument. I want to say that only by remembering its past and its heroes will Ukraine have its future. Leonid Makarovich, rest in peace, we miss you very much ," said the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk in his speech.

"Dear Leonid Makarovich, we miss you very much. My father, brother and I, as well as our entire family, were honoured to call you a great friend. I can honestly say that we were together in both difficult times and happy moments. You are a great man, a Patriot with a capital P. A wise, brave and strong man. You have always been in our hearts and will remain in them forever. May you always be in our hearts and remain forever. May you rest in peace," UEFA Honorary Member Hryhoriy Surkis addressed the audience.

On behalf of Leonid Makarovych's family, the son of the first President of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kravchuk, thanked for the help in creating the memorial.

"You know, there is a commonplace phrase: a person lives as long as the memory of him or her lives. When it doesn't concern you, you treat it as just another word. But when they relate to you, your family, you treat them differently.

Of course, first of all, I remember moments from my childhood, communication with my parents, when they took me to kindergarten and then to school. My father was a very kind and frank person. You know, children like to twist their parents' arms a bit. But he always took everything in stride.

I am very grateful to Grigory Mikhailovich Surkis for everything he did for us. His help, especially in these times, is very important to us, and we are very grateful to him for it."