Commentaries to <i>Den</i>’s 14th anniversary

Yevhen MARCHUK, Ukrainian politician:

“Compared with other periodicals established over five years ago, Den stands out because of the fact that it doesn’t fear its archives. Very often in its library, established by its editor-in-chief, the newspaper returns to the materials it published ten or seven years ago — under different presidents, different governments — and they remain topical.

“In other words, the newspaper didn’t manipulate the truth and therefore can freely use its archives. I believe that the very idea of The Day’s Library Series is a unique phenomenon in the world of newspapers. Hopefully, it will have enough enthusiasm and resources to continue doing it. I trust it will be so. Besides, Den is not just a newspaper, it also runs a journalism summer school: not because of a resolution of some ministry, but on its own initiative.

“In addition, Den is also part of the Ostroh Club of Youth Free Intellectual Exchange. This is also a unique feature, and once again due to the paper’s own initiative.

“There is also the photo exhibit, which always impresses by the fact that the newspaper involves and finds people who take good photos. Sometimes even a person who is not a professional photographer finds such moments in life that their works become important not just artistically, but also for the life of the country and the society.

“Most importantly, the newspaper develops a number of topics which are very interesting and important for our time, and for our society in general.

“To put it briefly, Den is a unique phenomenon. I wish the newspaper, its personnel, and its editor-in-chief enthusiasm, patience and aspiration. And good and appreciative readers.

“Perhaps not everyone likes Den. Obviously, it is not good for everyone, especially for some officials or government figures.

“But all this can be endured if the newspaper follows its principles and does not become a propaganda machine. Den is a principled publication. I wish you to have enough strength and confidence to continue struggling for your principles, and of course, improve your skills and extend your sphere of influence.

“I guess the educational function of the newspaper, and it is quite apparent, stems not only from the historical pieces, but also from the analysis of present times. I wish you to have the resources and inspiration for this too. I wish you all the best!”

Arsenii YATSENIUK, leader of the political party Front of Changes:

“I gladly congratulate Den on its anniversary! I always read your newspaper and meet your journalists with pleasure!

“The mere fact that Den is the only newspaper in Ukraine capable of publishing its own collections of articles — in books filled with sincere, but not ostentatious, patriotism and care for Ukraine — shows the high quality of your articles.

“I remember in 2001, when I was the minister of economy of the Crimea, I gave an interview to Den, which you prudently called “The Fashion of a Systematic Approach.” Since then almost ten years have passed. But we still don’t have systematic reforms or freedom of citizens that is systematically protected by the state in Ukraine. Moreover, the living standards of the people have not improved in a systematic manner.

“So let’s celebrate your anniversary, and then let’s work together so that these systematic changes, the importance of which your periodical has highlighted more than any other, finally take place. May this trend for systematic governance finally take over the country. We can do this together.”

Leonid KRAVCHUK, first president of Ukraine:

“I’m very thankful to Den for elucidating various Ukrainian issues, particularly our three main problems: the problem of spirituality, the problem of historical memory, and the problem of language. Den gives serious and profound explanations, supplemented by analysis and forecasts. For me Den is a source of useful information.

“Generally, I have always subscribed to Den. That is why I want to thank the whole team of the newspaper, which is Ukrainian not only in form, but also in spirit and content. Yet it is without labels, and does not offend people with different opinions. It works through explanations, through persuasion, and covers seminal topics.

“I believe that a modern Ukrainian person, with knowledge about politics and hoping to join the political elite, should read Den by all means.”

Valentyn NALYVAICHENKO, head of the political council of the party Our Ukraine, ex-head of the Security Service of Ukraine:

“I want to congratulate Den. It is a truly Ukrainian, always topical, and extremely interesting newspaper. Every morning I begin my day by reading the press, and your newspaper, of course, is among the first. Thanks to your materials, I know that it is also the start of a good day.

“I can boast of having read Den for many years, and every time I find something new in it. I’m amazed by the talent and ability of the editorial staff to raise really burning issues, choose interesting guests, and touch upon important social problems, all the while paying attention to cultural and spiritual issues.

“It is also symbolic that the newspaper celebrates its birthday by holding its annual photo competition. Photos in Den are always of good quality, neat and not banal.

“I wish the staff of Den good health and well-being, inspiration, acute topics and vivid materials, thankful readers and positive evaluation of their journalistic work.”

Anna BEZULYK, television journalist, hostess of the talk-show I Think So at the Channel 5:

“For me Den is a tuning fork for social and cultural life in Ukraine. I am thankful to the newspaper for its wisdom and wits.

“It seems to me that one should have strong civic courage to show such strategic thinking (which goes beyond the scope of a periodical and better fits the country as a whole).

“Wits, courage, and responsibility, that is what I am grateful for.”