Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha:

"Another important meeting at the MFA: I was pleased to welcome today Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader James (Kostiantyn) Temerty, who was born in Ukraine, in Donbas.

Yesterday, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented Mr. Temerty with the National Legend of Ukraine award for his significant contribution to strengthening Ukraine–Canada relations and enhancing Ukraine’s standing in the world.

Kostiantyn Temerty is an example of how one can preserve a love for one’s homeland, carry that love throughout the world, and support one’s people and state.

Mr. Temerty’s mother was a teacher of the Ukrainian language, and his father wrote Ukrainian poetry about his native Donbas. Thanks to the James Temerty Foundation, the world knows the truth about the Holodomor genocide.

Therefore, the Ukrainian distinction presented to him yesterday is both recognition and gratitude from the entire Ukrainian people. It is also a gesture of respect to the millions of our compatriots abroad who, like the Temerty family once did, had to leave Ukraine.

During our meeting today, we discussed very practical steps on how to consolidate and strengthen the global Ukrainian community, what we can do together to achieve a comprehensive and just peace for Ukraine, and how to encourage Ukrainians to return home and contribute to rebuilding our state."