President Petro Poroshenko took part in the solemn meeting on occasion of the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Head of State congratulated the warriors and emphasized that the given day commemorated particular contribution of our new army to the protection of the Homeland.

According to the President, the new holiday – Day of Defender of Ukraine, initiated last year and celebrated on October 14, is becoming nationwide. This holiday was accepted by the entire Ukraine at once, because war forced upon Ukraine by the Russian aggressor became a true patriotic war for justice, native land and independence.

“In order to survive and kick away Russian invaders from the larger part of Donbas, Ukraine paid a very high price – lives of its best sons and daughters,” after these words, the attendees honored the memory of the deceased with a moment of silence.

Petro Poroshenko emphasized: “Ukraine is proud of its Army and trusts it as much as it trusts the Church. There is no more respected public authority than the Armed Forces”.

“Please accept the sincerest congratulations from me, as Supreme Commander-in-Chief, and the people of Ukraine,” he said.

“Officer and soldier are the main and the most respectful people in Ukraine. You are the best and the most valuable people we have. You are the first and so far the only ones who deserved the right to be called true Ukrainian elite with your blood and sweat, life and health, courage and patriotism, unselfishness and self-sacrifice,” the President noted.

The Head of State presented state awards to servicemen who demonstrated particular courage and heroism defending sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of our country.