Ukrainian leaders on Dec. 6 are congratulating men and women of the armed forces on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the country’s Armed Forces Day.
“From the bottom of my heart I congratulate you on the 25th anniversary of the Armed Forces Day of Ukraine,” Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko wrote on his Facebook page.
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said Ukraine is proud of its armed forces.
“The country is proud of its troops, which guard our freedom and independence. Happy holidays,” Groysman wrote on his Facebook page.
The PM expressed his gratitude to each military serviceman and servicewoman for their indomitable will, fortitude and patriotism.
Verkhovna Rada Chairman Andriy Parubiy, meanwhile, said Ukraine’s modern fighting force has been created by the efforts of “dedicated sons and daughters of Ukraine, true patriots, who replaced yesterday’s Soviet units and pledged their allegiance to the people of Ukraine, often risking their livelihood or even their lives.”
“I bow my head in honor to all the generations of soldiers and warriors for Ukraine’s independence, and especially to honor the heroes of the war of liberation in Donbas. On this day special thanks go to all Ukrainian soldiers who sacrifice to defend the independence of Ukraine and preserve stability in the free world,” Parubiy said in comments posted on the parliament’s website.
He expressed the wish that soldiers currently located in Donbas return home alive and healthy, and that Ukrainians will score a victory over the Russian aggressor and achieve a peaceful sky overhead.
Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Oleksandr Turchynov said Ukraine’s army has become one of best in Europe.
“Today you are guarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the state interests of Ukraine, its European future. You are persevering peace and ensuring the well-being of our citizens, heroically and resolutely fulfilling your constitutional duty, repelling the aggressor,” NSDC’s press service quoted him as saying.
Turchynov also said Ukrainians are doing everything they can to provide their own national army with necessary armaments and equipment.
“Your holiday is a holiday for the entire Ukrainian nation, which is proud if its defenders! Your indomitable will and loyalty to Ukraine, love for your homeland, patriotism and heroism is the foundation for our victory over the enemy,” Turchynov said.
