Ukrainian defenders joined the President and senior officials in Kyiv to mark the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The largest national flag was raised near the iconic Motherland Monument as part of the event.
The ceremony was attended by military personnel, including Commander Oleksandr Syrskyy, as well as government representatives.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to every soldier who has defended Ukraine since 2014 and during the ongoing full-scale invasion. He praised their perseverance over the more than 1,000 days of conflict:
“When it’s hard, when it’s very hot, and when it’s unbearably cold, day and night, you hold the front, you hold freedom, you hold yourselves. Thanks to you, we hold on and Ukraine holds on,” Zelenskyy said.
Following his speech, the President presented awards, including the Golden Star Order to the Heroes of Ukraine. Several of the awards were posthumously granted to defenders who made the ultimate sacrifice.