On the Day of the Border Guard, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the defenders of the state border of Ukraine and presented awards to them.
"In the context of Russia's full-scale brutal war against our independent state, against our strong people, we cannot afford to celebrate. Russian evil is still on our land, we must drive out the occupiers. And then we will celebrate. And it will definitely be after our victory. And now it is our duty to honor your contribution, the contribution of the Border Guard Service of Ukraine, each and every one to the common struggle of the Ukrainian people," the President said, congratulating the border guards on their professional holiday.
The President stressed that the border guards were the first to face the invader and are now performing one of the most important tasks - controlling the border line, responding to enemy activity near the borders, protecting our land from insidious and cynical attacks by Russia.
"The protection of Ukraine from saboteurs and the enemy's attempts to destroy our supply chains depends on the professionalism and efficiency of the State Border Guard Service. Border guards also provide normal economic ties with our partners in the western and southwestern parts of the border. Your service is one of the fundamental pillars of our protection. And I am grateful to everyone who defends the state border," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The Head of State thanked all the border defenders who, together with other soldiers, are fighting for freedom of Ukrainians, in particular those border guards who are heroically defending Mariupol.
The President stressed that the names of border guards who died in battles with the Russian aggressor are forever inscribed with gold letters in the pantheon of Heroes of Ukraine.
He expressed confidence that our state will protect its freedom in this war, and our people will defeat the Russian invaders who came to Ukrainian land to destroy us.
"Everyone who defends the Ukrainian state, fights for the opportunity to live freely in their own home, for freedom and security for their children, for peace for their parents - I am grateful to all of you, I wish all our soldiers to see victory soon. I wish happiness, well-being to your families, the families of all our defenders," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The attendees honored the memory of the fallen border guards with a moment of silence.
The President presented the border guards with state awards, as well as honorary and new military ranks. 12 servicemen were awarded the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky of various degrees, the Order of Danylo Halytsky, medals "For Military Service of Ukraine", "For Impeccable Service" of the III degree and "Defender of the Homeland". One officer was awarded the honorary title of "Honored Lawyer of Ukraine". Five border guards were given new military ranks.
