On the Day of the National Flag of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy handed over 132 samples of weaponry and military equipment, 38 units of communications equipment and 78 surveillance devices to the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
During the solemn events on the occasion of the Day of the National Flag of Ukraine at the military airfield in Vasylkiv, the Kyiv region, the President presented seven certificates to the commanders of military units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"The Armed Forces of Ukraine have gained unique experience. At the same time, we are well aware that combat experience must be accompanied by modern weapons and equipment. That is why the total resource for national security and defense has increased by almost 28 billion hryvnias compared to last year. We have the biggest defense budget in history," the President of Ukraine noted.
He noted that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, defense expenditures remained unchanged.
The President also stressed that for the first time during the war in Ukraine, the Deputy Prime Minister for Strategic Industries and the relevant ministry have appeared, which will form and implement the military-industrial policy of the state.
"Today, 132 samples of weaponry and military equipment, 38 units of communications equipment and 78 surveillance devices are transferred to the units of the Armed Forces for the performance of their tasks. These are modernized T-64 and T-72 tanks. The latest armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles and tactical armored vehicles, as well as modern electronic warfare systems and surveillance equipment," the President said.
According to him, it is mandatory to re-equip the Ukrainian army, weaponize the latest combat systems, bring the military command bodies to NATO standards.
"Today is 28 days since we’ve had no combat losses. The whole world sees that Ukraine and its soldiers, like any normal civilized people, of course, seek peace in eastern Ukraine. This does not mean that we will stop taking care of our army. Because it is you - a modern and strong army - that is the key to such a desirable peace in Ukraine,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
On behalf of the Ukrainian people, the President thanked the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for conscientious performance of duty, courage and heroism.
After the ceremony, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Andriy Taran and Commander of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi demonstrated to the President samples of equipment transferred to the army for the defense of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the JFO area.
