In an address marking Ukraine’s Armed Forces Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked service members for their courage and resilience that secured the country’s right to life and freedom. He emphasized the importance of remembering the stories of every fallen hero and preserving respect for defenders as part of the new Ukrainian identity.
In his address on the occasion of Ukraine’s Armed Forces Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reminded the nation that December 6 is a day dedicated to those who, holding weapons, demonstrate Ukrainian strength and unite the country in struggle and gratitude. He noted that respect for soldiers has become a distinct phenomenon in the new Ukraine — an art form reflected in murals, tributes and stories honoring each defender.
Zelenskyy urged Ukrainians to pause by these artworks and remember that each portrait carries a personal story. He spoke about soldiers who defended Kyiv and Mariupol, grew up in Donbas and fought for the capital, and those who were athletes, artists or jewelers before becoming defenders. The president mentioned the stories of Danylo Pohorilov, Oleh Fadieienko, Dem, and Taras Bereziuk, stressing that their bravery and sacrifice will remain forever in people’s hearts.
He added that in the peaceful Ukraine of future generations, children will ask: “Who is this?” — and adults will know exactly what to answer. Memory and respect for the military, he said, will be passed down from generation to generation.
Zelenskyy also recalled many other defenders: Vitalii Trukhan, Oleksii Ostapenko, Oleksii Movchan, Taras Chaika, as well as those who had been artists, students or entrepreneurs but became soldiers after choosing to stand for Ukraine. He emphasized that Russia destroys not only cities but also dreams, destinies and futures — yet Ukrainians continue to resist.
He mentioned fallen fighters Chornyi, Krylov and Boks, who will forever remain young but always remain among us — in hearts, in art, and in words of gratitude.
Zelenskyy stated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are more than an army, more than a family. They embody the whole country, its strength and its commitment to a just peace. The president thanked infantry, artillery, intelligence, airborne troops, special forces, missile troops, tank crews, drone units, assault brigades, engineers, communications specialists, cyber defense, medics, logisticians, the Air Force and Navy, medical units, and all those “who send evil back home with deep strikes.”
“Each and every one of you is a warrior. Each and every one of you is a hero. I congratulate each of you on Ukraine’s Armed Forces Day,” Zelenskyy said, concluding with words of eternal honor for the fallen and glory to Ukraine.
