On the Day of Knowledge, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko visited I. Bohun Military Lyceum of Kyiv, where he took part in the solemn ceremony on the occasion of the beginning of the new school year.

In his congratulations, the Head of State notes that the prestige of military service in Ukraine is growing nowadays and those who serve in the Armed Forces rightfully reclaim the status of true elite of the society. "For the first time in the history of modern Ukraine, militaries became an object of love, support and pride of the entire people. I know that such solidarity adds confidence and courage," Petro Poroshenko said.

The President also emphasized that the Ukrainian army would always be an object of top-priority attention of the state. The army will be re-equipped and the emergence of high-tech weapons requires not only military talent, but also high intellectual level," the Head of State stressed.

Petro Poroshenko sadly noted that the country met the Day of Knowledge in an extremely difficult time. "Recently, the situation has been escalated even more. Straight, unconcealed aggression of the neighboring country against Ukraine has begun. It radically changes the situation in the area of hostilities. It brings new, much more difficult tasks for our security structures," he said.

According to the President, a thorough analysis of the events of the last week is being carried out. "We will make serious conclusions, inter alia, those of staffing character," he noted.

The President emphasized that while protecting the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state, Ukrainian militaries demonstrated courage and heroism. "They demonstrate high professionalism, patriotism and, most importantly, limitless devotion to Ukraine. You have decent examples of service to the Motherland, for the participants of the ATO are your parents, brothers, relatives and friends," Petro Poroshenko stressed.

The participants of the ceremony honored the memory of lyceum's graduates who sacrificed their lives protecting Ukraine with a moment of silence.

After that, the Head of State took part in the ceremony of presenting shoulder straps to the first-year students. He wished future servicemen a successful year, good health and new achievements. Units of the lyceum solemnly marched in front of the President.

Petro Poroshenko also had a short conversation with parents of the lyceum students who were present at the ceremony.