“The one fought in that war knows the price of peace,” stressed First Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Andrii Parubii in the course of awarding prizes of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to the combatants - peacekeeping soldiers, including those who participated and today participates in ATO.
Awarding ceremony was held on the occasion of the 26th anniversary
of withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan territory and on the
occasion of the Day of honoring participants in military operations on the
territories of other states. Veterans were presented with certificates and diplomas of merit of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and valuable gifts – hand watches for courage and heroism shown in the course of performing their military duty; important personal contribution to the development of veterans movement; and active public work.
Welcoming award recipients, A.Parubii recollected developments of the past year on Maidan. According to him, lots of those who fought on the territories of other states went to the frontline as soon as Ukraine faced new challenges. “During the main fightings on Maidan Afghan soldiers were on the frontline. They were the one who set the goal to protect people. Quite often they took no political position,” he said.
Thereat, he underlined that lots of peacekeepers made their way “from Maidan to ATO.” “They are always on the frontline. They serve as a model of courage, valour, service to the society and love to their Homeland,” stressed A.Parubii. “We deeply respect and honour you for your experience and big love for your people,” he added.
First Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine called on the veterans of combat operations to help young soldiers who come back from ATO zone to adapt to peaceful life.
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