On the Day of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Golden Star Orders to the servicemen who were awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine, as well as other state awards to the Ukrainian defenders.
He emphasized that Ukraine is proud of every soldier of the Navy, because from the very beginning of the Russian aggression, they decently rebuff the enemy and inflict significant losses on him.
"They forced the enemy fleet to leave the coastal sea zone and abandon artillery shelling of the coast. The cruiser "Moskva", other Russian warships and landing craft felt the power of our modern missile weapons," stated Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to him, thanks to the skillful actions of the Ukrainian military, the enemy's naval landing operation was thwarted.
The President noted that the heroic actions of the marines in Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson region, Mykolaiv region and Odesa region have deserved eternal respect and gratitude of the Ukrainian people.
Naval aviators also excelled in the fight against the Russian army, the Head of State emphasized.
"Enemy missiles, planes and helicopters destroyed by Ukrainian sailors prevent the aggressor from reaching their targets, save critical infrastructure facilities, and most importantly - save the lives of our Ukrainian citizens! Ukraine is proud of all of you, is inspired by your successes, especially in combat, supports you, shares the pain of losses and believes in the resilience of the officers and sailors of the domestic fleet, their indomitability, invincibility, our common victory," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The President stated that increasing the capabilities of the Navy will always be a priority of the government.
"We aspired and did everything to make the Ukrainian fleet a model of power and modernity and become a true pride of our state. To make us a maritime state not in the distant memories of the past, but in the real present and the near future," he said.
The Head of State expressed his conviction that the high professionalism of the Navy, skillful use of modern weapons and military equipment will surely send the rest of the Russian aggressor's fleet in pursuit of the "Russian ship".
On behalf of the Ukrainian state and people, the President expressed gratitude to the personnel of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the heroic performance of military duty, courage and self-sacrifice that they demonstrate every day in battles against the occupiers. He wished the Ukrainian military sailors good health, an indomitable morale and the soonest possible victory for all of us.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that he is glad to have the opportunity to meet with the defenders on the Day of the Naval Forces and present them with well-deserved state awards.
The attendees also commemorated those killed defending the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine with a moment of silence.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized: we will always be grateful to everyone who fought fiercely against the Russian invaders at sea, on land and in the air, showed remarkable heroism, resilience and invincible character, and we will always remember the feat of each and every one who gave their lives for Ukraine.
