For nearly twelve years, the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other units of the Defense Forces have held back the aggression of Russia’s military machine and its allies. The international community once doubted Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. Yet our brothers-in-arms of the Armed Forces — side by side with the fighters of the National Guard — stood in the way of the occupiers and pushed them back. And together, we will continue to do so.
The Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine coincides with the beginning of the First Winter Campaign of the Ukrainian People’s Republic Army in 1919. This campaign stands as a symbol of courage and the state-building spirit of the Ukrainian army — when several thousand volunteers managed to change the course of the war and force Denikin’s professional, well-armed Volunteer Army out of Ukraine.
The actions of the Ukrainian army, just like those of the Defense Forces now, strengthened diplomats in seeking allies and, most importantly, gave the Ukrainian people confidence that the fight for statehood continues. Today, the Armed Forces of Ukraine demonstrate this every day at the front. Together, we will stop the enemy, drive them from our land, and protect our home and our families.
Defending Ukraine is the duty of every citizen. First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine thanks every soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for this choice.
Happy holiday.
Glory to Ukraine!