To the soldiers and veterans
of the Armed Forces and citizens of Ukraine
Dear compatriots!
Please accept my sincere greetings on the occasion of the Motherland Defenders' Day!
This holiday has imbibed glorious military traditions of our people, personifying courage and heroism of many generations of Ukraine’s liberators.
We bow low before the memory of those who have put their lives on the altar of Victory, freeing their motherland from Nazi hordes. We address our filial gratitude to the soldiers of the Great Patriotic War and to the heroes of the rear!
Even today, having followed your heart and chosen one of the most honorable and difficult professions – the protector of Homeland, our valiant guards day and night guard the territorial integrity of our Homeland and peaceful sleep of its citizens. I am convinced that attempts aimed at preserving peace and calm on the territory of Ukraine, as well as maintenance of reliable backstop for threats to national interests have gained the deserved recognition in the society.
On this day, following the tradition, it is usual to greet all men, irrespective whether they are military men, or not. Since time immemorial, the true Man vocation is to protect a woman, a child, or an old man in the face of danger. To protect, irrespective of anything, sometimes, even risking your own life!
On behalf of the Verkhovna Rada and on my own behalf I wish you, dear friends, sound health, welfare, spiritual harmony and peace to your families. May destiny protect you and assist in performing your noble duty for the cloudless sky over our peaceful Motherland!
Volodymyr Rybak