On the occasion of the Day of Missile Forces and Artillery and the Engineering Troops Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the servicemen of these branches of the military and presented them with state awards.
"Today, we celebrate the professional day of those warriors who are the backbone of all the Defense and Security Forces of Ukraine. This is the Day of Missile Forces and Artillery, and this is the Engineering Troops Day. These are the branches of the military that create a reliable foundation for the resilience of Ukraine's defenders and the advancement of our units," the Head of State said in his speech.
The President said that Ukrainian Missile Forces and Artillery have become some of the most powerful in the world, as they can be effective even when the enemy has superiority in resources.
"Ukrainians can amaze with precise hits on the occupier – on their positions, on their systems – even when most do not believe in the realism of some of our strikes. Ukrainians can be as effective as needed to overcome any complex, even very difficult situations," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
He pointed out that during his trips to the front and interactions with Ukrainian defenders on the frontlines, he became convinced of their understanding of the situation, and he has confidence in them.
"All Ukrainians have confidence in our soldiers. And when our people are motivated, Ukraine is capable of changing the tide of the war in the interests of our state, in the interests of our independence. In particular, our artillery troops, our missile men... Soldiers, I congratulate you on your Day," the Head of State said.
Ukrainian engineering troops, as the President said, perform a wide range of tasks every day: they clear paths through enemy obstacles, ensuring the reliability of our defense, equip fortifications, and protect Ukrainian positions from Russian attacks.
"Your expertise, engineering troops, is one of the key elements of the overall defense success. I am grateful to every soldier, every commander in our engineering troops who feel this responsibility and fulfill their tasks to the fullest. Thank you and congratulations," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that even after 618 days of full-scale Russian aggression, Ukraine continues to fight and achieve the necessary results.
"Despite everything, our soldiers strike powerful blows against the occupier day and night. I am proud of all Ukrainian soldiers! Ukraine exists because of those who fight for it. Let the memory of all our people who fearlessly gave their lives to defend Ukraine shine brightly," the President said.
The attendees observed a moment of silence in memory of all the fallen defenders of Ukraine.
For their personal courage and dedicated service in defense of Ukraine's state sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Head of State awarded state honors to 30 servicemen of the Missile Forces and Artillery as well as the Engineering Troops of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
In particular, Junior Sergeant Denys Dorofeyev and Colonel Serhiy Zhuk received the President of Ukraine's "Cross of Military Merit" award from Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Additionally, the President presented the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky I-III class, the Orders "For Courage" II and III class, and the Orders of Danylo Halytskyi.
Furthermore, the President awarded battle flags to the 190th Training Center of the Main Directorate of Missile Forces and Artillery, and Unmanned Systems of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the 68th Separate Coastal Missile Division of the 360th Separate Coastal Missile Brigade of the Naval Forces of the Armed Force of Ukraine, and the 250th United Engineering Support Center of the Support Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The President's For Courage and Bravery award was presented to the 48th Engineering Kamianets-Podilsky Brigade of the Support Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the 808th Separate Support Regiment of the Support Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Honorary title Chorny Lis were bestowed upon the 15th Separate Artillery Reconnaissance Brigade of the Ground Forces of the Armed Force of Ukraine, and title Podillia upon the 143rd United Training Center of the Support Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov, Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Valeriy Zaluzhny, and Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Serhiy Shaptala attended the event.
