Dear soldiers of the National Guard of Ukraine!
I congratulate the whole personnel with the professional holiday - the Day of the National Guard of Ukraine.
Four years ago, at a time critical for the state, I had the honor to report from the parliamentary rostrum the law of Ukraine "On the National Guard of Ukraine". The Verkhovna Rada then created a key security unit, ready to defend Ukraine both from external enemies and from internal danger.
"Guardsman" means "guard, defender". And in those days of March 2014, the National Guard fighters of the first volunteer battalion, now bearing the name of General Serhii Kulchytskyi, swore an oath and immediately went to the eastern front to defend the country from the Russian invader.
In its ranks, the National Guard united true patriots who took the responsibility to protect our independence.
From the early days, the fighters of the National Guard of Ukraine participated in the anti-terrorist operation in the east of the country, freed the separatist-captured towns and villages, restored law and order in the liberated territories, fighting to the dearth against the Russian aggressor.
A wide range of crucial tasks the state has put upon the National Guard. In the context of the hybrid war which Russia is leading against Ukraine, our law enforcement officers protect the territorial integrity and security of the state not only on the eastern front, but also throughout the country.
For millions of Ukrainians, the National Guard is not only a powerful weapon, state-of-the-art technology and modern tactics. Guards are primarily people. The professional, well-trained military, ready to lay down their lives for their homeland and their people.
On behalf of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, I wish you, guardees, joy, health, well-being, friendship and love to your families, new victories and achievements.
Glory to the National Guard of Ukraine!
Glory to Ukraine!