In Odesa, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the events dedicated to the Day of the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in particular, he met with cadets of the Institute of the Navy of the National University "Odesa Maritime Academy" and presented state awards and battle flags.
On behalf of the entire Ukrainian state and people, he congratulated the guardians of Ukraine's maritime borders on their professional holiday - the Day of the Ukrainian Navy.
"We know, we have seen, and we are grateful for the glory that the Ukrainian Navy is gaining for our country. All of us in Ukraine are confident in the strength of our people and in your strength, in your professionalism, in your ability to continue to demonstrate Ukrainian strength. Many people in Russia thought that the Black Sea was the area of their power. The enemy hoped that our Navy would not be able to withstand Russia's attacks. Well, the courage and skill of our warriors destroyed all these enemy hopes and drowned them in the sea," the President said.
The Head of State emphasized that Ukrainian defense in this war against the Russian aggressor consists of various large and small episodes that together provide protection for the state and the opportunity to move forward both on land and at sea.
"Our Navy, together with other elements of Ukraine's defense and security forces, protected our Black Sea coast from Russian amphibious operations. You defended Odesa, which the Russian occupiers dreamed of conquering or destroying. Our missiles sunk the Russian flagship, and it was so humiliating for the Kremlin that they are still afraid to make public all the details of this loss. The powerful participation of the Navy in a joint operation with our intelligence and defense officers made it possible to liberate Zmiinyi Island from the occupiers, and this returned security to a significant part of Ukrainian waters," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated.
According to him, these and other powerful operations of the defense forces have taught the Russian fleet not to approach Ukrainian shores.
"And if Russian warships remain in the Black Sea... if they do, they will be afraid to approach our Ukrainian Crimea and our Azov Sea coast. This will definitely happen. I know this. I see it in the eyes of our sailors, our marines, the commanders of our Navy, in the skillful work of our artillerymen, naval aviators and those who work for our fleet of naval drones," the Head of State emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy especially honored the marines of the glorious 35th and 36th separate marine brigades. Today, the award of the President of Ukraine "For Courage and Bravery" was presented to the 10th naval aviation brigade named after the Hero of Ukraine Colonel Ihor Bedzai of the Ukrainian Navy and the 88th separate marine battalion of the 35th separate marine brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi of the Ukrainian Navy.
The attendees also observed a minute of silence in memory of all Ukrainian soldiers, every sailor and marine who gave their lives in the battles for Ukraine's independence.
The Head of State separately addressed the cadets of the Naval Institute.
The President noted that Ukraine is one of those countries that can fight and win, including at sea. This, in his opinion, will have global significance, as few countries in the world are capable of doing so.
"Ukraine's destiny is undoubtedly to be strong. To be a free part of the free world. I am confident that Ukraine will defend itself in this war and return everything that is temporarily controlled by the occupiers. And after the war, the victorious Ukraine will teach others in the world how to be strong, including at sea, and how to defend freedom. Ukraine will become a donor of global security and global power, and I believe that your knowledge, your strength, your future victories will bring this powerful time closer for our beautiful country and our people," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, addressing the cadets.
"Glory to the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine! Glory to your families, to your relatives who raised and are raising people like you. I wish you all health and only victory!" the President added.
He presented the defenders with state awards. Thus, for personal courage and selfless actions in the defense of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, exemplary performance of military duty, the servicemen were awarded the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi of the II degree, "For Courage" of the III degree, Danylo Halytskyi and the medal "For Military Service to Ukraine".
In addition, the President presented battle flags to the 64th separate cannon artillery division of the 406th separate artillery brigade named after Brigadier General Oleksiy Almazov, 26th and 27th separate divisions of river boats of the river flotilla of the Ukrainian Navy.
