Today, October 1, Ukraine celebrates Defenders and Defendresses Day — a holiday honoring military personnel and all those who defend the country from Russian aggression. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara thanked Ukrainian soldiers for defending the country.
This was stated in messages of congratulations from Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy emphasized that it is the front line where the resilience that allows Ukraine to continue its struggle begins.
“The front. This is where Independence is won. And the path to peace runs through these labyrinths, through these corridors. And when we say: ‘Ukraine is holding on,’ the source of this resilience begins precisely at the front,” the president said.
He thanked all defenders and defendresses who hold Ukrainian positions and protect the country’s right to exist and its future.
“Thank you to everyone who wears a chevron on their shoulders and carries Independence on their shoulders. With gratitude and respect to all our defenders and defendresses, today we say: Glory to you! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!” Zelenskyy said.
Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara, in his message, emphasized that there is no higher calling than defending one’s loved ones, one’s land, and the right to live in an independent state.
He thanked the military personnel who hold the front line, plan operations on land and at sea, gather intelligence, provide logistics and communications, clear mines, evacuate the wounded, and save lives.
Khmara also highlighted those who use modern technologies in defense — unmanned aerial vehicles, maritime drones, ground robotic systems, electronic warfare systems, and artificial intelligence.
“There are no people stronger than our warriors in the world. There are no people more worthy and courageous,” the minister said.
Khmara also called for remembering Ukrainian soldiers who died defending the country, as well as those who remain in Russian captivity. He expressed special gratitude to veterans.
“May this day be a day of honor for everyone who defends Ukraine. And may our gratitude be reflected in our daily contribution to the victory of the indomitable Ukrainian people,” the defense minister said.
