Ukraine celebrates Armed Forces Day.
According to Ukrinform, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the laws "On the Armed Forces of Ukraine" and "On Defense of Ukraine" on December 6, 1991, and on December 13 – the Concept of Defense and Construction of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which established the main principles and directions for the development of the Ukrainian military.
Ukraine inherited one of the most powerful military groupings in Europe from the USSR, equipped with nuclear weapons and relatively modern samples of armaments and military equipment. However, over more than 20 years of independence, the Ukrainian army was nearly destroyed. For decades, there were mass reductions of military personnel, and some soldiers left service in despair, seeing no prospects in the army. In addition to internal factors, external pressures also mounted: throughout this time, Ukraine had to withstand intense pressure from Moscow, which resisted the establishment of a capable Armed Forces in our country.
The turning point in the history of the modern Ukrainian army was the events of 2013-2014: the Revolution of Dignity, the occupation of Crimea, and part of eastern Ukraine. Despite the total devastation in the army, betrayal, losses, intense pressure, and the treachery of the enemy, Ukrainian troops managed to defend the independence of their homeland and protect their people from the aggressor. Today, our army is enhancing its combat capability, and Ukraine has declared its intentions to join NATO.
It is worth noting that for the third consecutive year, Ukrainians are celebrating the Day of the Armed Forces under conditions of a full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation.
With the onset of Russia's large-scale aggression, the Armed Forces of Ukraine demonstrated their ability to resist the Russian army, which currently ranks second in the list of the world's most powerful armies. At the same time, Ukraine ranks 18th out of 145 in the list of the world's most powerful armies as of January 2024, according to the ranking by the international company Global Firepower.
In 2023, against the backdrop of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine rose to 15th place in the ranking of the world's most powerful armies. In 2022, it held the 22nd position.
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The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, thanked the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for their struggle and service to the Ukrainian people.
In his greeting on the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the Commander-in-Chief's page on Facebook, he stated that the modern Armed Forces of Ukraine inherited the courage and love for freedom from earlier Ukrainian military formations of modern times: the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen, the Army of the Ukrainian People's Republic, the Ukrainian Galician Army, the heroes of the Cold Yar, and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.
"Today we are once again fighting for Independence. The enemy is the same as it was a hundred years ago. Ukrainians are once again called to fight, and we must win!" Syrskyi emphasized.
According to him, "the Armed Forces of Ukraine are now tempered in a decade-long war with the Russian occupiers. This is a modern Ukrainian army that has experience in large-scale combat operations against a superior adversary."
The servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have distinguished themselves through successful and heroic military operations, noted the Commander-in-Chief.
He expressed gratitude to "all the brave warriors who are fighting in Donetsk and Luhansk, defending Zaporizhzhia, the borders in Chernihiv and Sumy regions, battling for the Black Sea, and defended Kyiv... As well as those who participated in the Kharkiv offensive operation, the operation to liberate the right bank of Kherson, and the Kursk offensive operation – during which Russian occupiers suffered twice the losses in defense compared to the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the offensive."
"The feat and sacrifice of the heroes, made by our brothers and sisters for our Victory, will forever remain in our hearts! Eternal glory and memory to them! I am proud of the Armed Forces of Ukraine! I sincerely thank everyone for their struggle and service to the Ukrainian people!" Syrskyi declared.
As the general emphasized, "only those who fight and do not lay down their arms will win. We have endured, we are holding on, we will defeat the enemy."
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The Armed Forces of Ukraine protect freedom and Ukraine's European path every day, every hour, every minute, wrote Denys Shmyhal in a Telegram post on the occasion of the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to him, "Ukrainian warriors are the strength and pride of our Homeland. The greatness of spirit and will to victory of the Ukrainian military impresses the entire world."
"Thanks to the courageous defenders, our state has endured and continues to fight for its future. Thanks to their incredible efforts, Ukrainians can live in a free country, raise children, and make Ukraine better and stronger every day," Shmyhal emphasized.
He thanked all the military for their bravery.
"Thanks to you, Ukraine and the whole world are confident in our victory. You are heroic and unconquered. You are those who protect our freedom and our European path every day, every hour, every minute. Thank you for your love for your land. Eternal glory to all who died for our truth, freedom, and independence," the head of the government emphasized.
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The soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine embody heroism and patriotism, states Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Video: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine"Today we honor your unwavering courage, selflessness, and indomitable resolve in defending our Homeland. You are the shield standing between freedom and tyranny, light and darkness, protecting Ukraine from the aggression of the Russian occupiers," Umerov noted.
"Each of you – from soldier to general – embodies heroism and patriotism. Your bravery on the battlefield, resilience in the face of danger, and loyalty to the oath inspire the nation and serve as an example for future generations," the Minister of Defense emphasized.
He expressed gratitude for the sacrifices and efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security.
"The state is doing everything possible to provide you with the most modern equipment and necessary resources, strengthening our defense capability and supporting each of you," Umerov assured.
"May your strength of spirit and dedication serve as a ray of hope for all of us. I wish you robust health, indomitable will, and a swift return to peaceful life," he added.
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Thanks to the dedication of the Armed Forces, Ukraine has endured, fights, and will undoubtedly win, stated the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk.
In his greeting on the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, Stefanchuk emphasized: "On this day and every day, we express our boundless gratitude to our defenders for their courage, strength of spirit, and unyielding will. We honor their feats and bravery. We are proud of the determination and strength of everyone who defends our state with arms in hand."
Ukrainian warriors, the head of the parliament noted, "are our shield and our pride. Thanks to their dedication, Ukraine has endured, fights, and will undoubtedly win."
He thanked the defenders for their professionalism, for hundreds of successful operations, for precise strikes on enemy positions, for every destroyed piece of Russian equipment.
"Thank you for your resilience, as our warriors have fought for over 1000 days to ensure that Ukraine exists. So that our streets and buildings fly blue and yellow flags, not enemy tricolors. Thank you for your protection. On water, on land, and in the sky. Thank you for the courage and dedication that allow us to live in a free country," Stefanchuk emphasized.
"Today and every day, we remember and honor the memory of those who gave their lives for Ukraine. Eternal glory and honor to every hero!" the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada stressed.
Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine