Ukraine wants to achieve peace through diplomatic means, but a powerful army makes the state's position more confident and stronger, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"The whole world sees that we really want peace. We do not want to lose the best Ukrainians every day. We will definitely return our people and our territories. And now we achieve this through diplomatic means, but a powerful army makes the position of any state more confident and stronger,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a speech on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Head of State thanked the Ukrainian military - brave men and women - for their resilience, courage, incredible strength and will.
“And these are not just formal, protocol words on the occasion of the holiday. This is an axiom that does not need proof ... Today, Ukrainians trust the army more than any other body or institution. This is fair, logical and absolutely deserved. After all, you protect our independence during the war in the east and after the annexation of Crimea by Russia. We will never forget the terrible price we had to pay to protect our sovereignty. These are thousands of wounded and thousands of fallen warriors, our heroes, who gave their lives for Ukraine, for each of us,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized, urging the attendees to pay their respects to the deceased with a moment of silence.
The President stressed that development was an important component of a strong foundation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "We are not standing still, we enhance our combat capability and training. We strive to bring our troops closer to NATO standards not in words, not in posters, but in deeds,” he said.
According to the Head of State, it is a matter of complete reform of all spheres of defense: military management, logistics, training, weapons and, most importantly, decent social security of military and their families.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy reminded that Ukraine already had bitter experience and knew what could happen when a country was not ready to defend its state interests.
“That is why after reaching the long-awaited peace, the army will still be our priority. This is a guarantee of our further development, our independence, our right to independently choose our own path,” the President stressed.
According to the President, another important component of the foundation for the Armed Forces is the cohesion of society.
According to the Head of State, a third significant thing for the Ukrainian army is the truth. "It is on our side. That's what it is,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.
The Head of State congratulated the servicemen on their professional holiday and thanked them for their honest performance of duty, honor, courage and heroism. He wished the defenders and their families a strong health, well-being, unbreakable spirit, new successes and victories for the benefit of Ukraine.
The President also presented state awards on the occasion of the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.