Mazepa is true symbol of Ukraine's resistance to Russia, - Poroshenko

Proper conditions should be created for a fair policy of national memory in Ukraine.

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko said at the opening ceremony of a monument to Mazepa [Left-bank Ukraine's hetman who played an important role in the Battle of Poltava - ed.] in Poltava, Censor.NET reports.

"Mazepa was a real symbol of the Ukrainian resistance to Russia, the banner of our movement for independence. He held the mace [stayed in power - ed.] for 22 years and put an end to the infamous Ruin [a period in Ukraine's history characterized by continuous inner strife - ed.]. In retaliation, the empire spared no black paint to deface his image," Poroshenko said.

The head of state also noted it was up to historians to tell the biography of Mazepa.

"It's my job as president to create conditions for a fair policy of national memory... Ukraine's independence is the best way to venerate Mazepa. It makes clear and hard one single fact: our Mazepa still won that battle. Today, Ivan Mazepa enjoys our real Ukrainian glory instead of Russia's anathema!" the president stated.

"When Peter I was cutting a window into Europe, Mazepa's Ukraine walked there through an open door," he stressed.