Rinat Akhmetov's Address on the Occasion of Miner's Day and Donetsk City Day

Dear friends! Dear fellow countrymen!

I heartily congratulate you on Miner's Day and on City Day!

I am proud to have been born and raised in a mining region and in a mining family. I was raised among people who are not afraid of hard work that requires endurance and strength of spirit, fearlessness and dedication.

Miners have always been and remain for all of us an example of true perseverance and heroism. That is why the football club of Donbass is proudly named “Shakhtar”.

Together with the Miner's Day we always celebrate the Day of the city of Donetsk! Hometown is always in our hearts, no matter how long the separation lasts. I believe that the time will come, and the long-awaited peace will return to our Donetsk, and with it hopes, ambitious prospects, and crowded stands of the Donbass Arena will return.

Happy holiday to you, dear people of Donetsk! Happy Miner's Day and City Day! I wish health to you and your loved ones! I wish peace to our native land!

With deep respect, Rinat Akhmetov