“Our every step on the battlefield is a fight for the life of the nation”: Ukraine celebrates Armed Forces Day

The military leadership extended greetings to Ukrainian soldiers on the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, highlighting their resilient journey in battles that shape a modern history for the Ukrainian army, Rubryka reports, citing military commanders on social media.

"…First and foremost, thanks to the ordinary infantry soldier who stands guard over every piece of Ukrainian land despite challenging weather conditions, intense enemy shelling, and tireless attacks! Thanks to the ordinary artilleryman who skillfully performs combat duties, destroying the enemy on the battlefield and in the enemy's rear, depleting their forces and reducing their craving for more action," said Lieutenant-General Serhii Naiev, Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "Thanks to the ordinary defender of the Ukrainian sky, who increases the number of destroyed enemy targets every day, leaving no chances for the aggressor to disturb the peace and stability of our cities and villages. Thanks to everyone who has donned a military uniform, taken up arms and used it to eliminate the unwelcome intruder. You are the pride and hope of our nation."

"Border guards, we stand shoulder to shoulder with you — in battles on the front line and in other important directions where we strengthen the security of our country. Together, we achieve Victory, destroying the enemy who came to our land with war. Together, we are toughened by battles and form the Defense Forces of our state," said Serhii Deineko, Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. "Supporting each other remains the key to our strength. …The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue their challenging path of development in battles, creating a new history for the Ukrainian military. May the combat experience Ukrainian soldiers gain continuously liberate Ukrainian territory and settlements from invaders, bringing peace closer." 

"For the tenth consecutive year, the Armed Forces of Ukraine show the world that they are a formidable force, destroying heinous evil on their land. Every step we take on the battlefield is a fight for the life of the nation and the country. However difficult it may be for us, we overcome this path until we achieve the main goal — the victory of Ukraine!" said Commander of the Special Operations Forces Serhii Lupanchuk.

"Your sacrifice is difficult to overestimate, and only later, over the years, historians will come close to understanding the heroism that you all display, which has become our everyday reality. You will be remembered. By everyone. Living and fallen. And, thanks to you, Ukraine will have a chance to preserve its national identity!" said Commander of the Naval Forces Oleksii Neizhpapa.

On December 6, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Valerii Zaluzhnyi and Minister of Defense Rustem Umierov also congratulated Ukrainian servicemen on the occasion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They were joined by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, who noted that today is the day of strong, brave, unbreakable men and women — warriors and heroes.

Background

The Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is a national holiday honoring the Armed Forces of Ukraine, established by the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) in 1993.

It is annually celebrated on December 6, the day of the adoption in 1991 of the Law of Ukraine "On the Armed Forces of Ukraine."

Before the Russian-Ukrainian war, it was marked by a solemn ceremony of laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It also included solemn gatherings, award ceremonies, festive concerts, and fireworks in cities where the key centers of the Ukrainian military were located.