Chairpersons of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, People's Deputies, and the administration and staff of the Secretariat of the Ukrainian Parliament held an event to mark the Defenders Day, honoring the Ukrainian heroes who, risking their lives, protect Ukraine, its sovereignty, and independence.
During the welcoming address at Constitution Square, in front of the Ukrainian Parliament building, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Oleksandr Korniyenko, noted that there is no place for indifference in this war, and October 1 is a symbolic day for every Ukrainian.
“Today we celebrate the Intercession of the Theotokos, and honor Defenders Day and Veterans Day. There is so much significance in this day. It reminds us that freedom does not come easily. It is won in battles and, unfortunately, comes at the cost of many lives. Our colleagues, friends, and loved ones are defending us all right now. I am sure each of us has someone in the military or volunteering to help achieve victory,” Oleksandr Korniyenko emphasized.
Deputy Chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Olena Kondratiuk, stated that Ukrainian Defenders are our reliable support, faith, and hope for Victory and a just peace.
"Ukrainian Defenders, with honor and courage, fulfill their constitutional and civic duty, defending the right of Ukrainians to live and exist. We are proud that among the large number of military personnel in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 68,000 Ukrainian women serve alongside men as equals. This is one of the highest figures in the world, even among NATO countries,” noted Olena Kondratiuk.
The Chairpersons of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, its Secretariat, People's Deputies, and event attendees paid tribute to the memory of the fallen People's Deputies from different convocations and staff of the Secretariat who perished as a result of Russian aggression by laying flowers at the memorial plaque on the Parliament building.
Finishing the event, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Oleksandr Korniyenko, awarded servicemen of the National Guard of Ukraine with commendations from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
After the event at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Leaders of the Verkhovna Rada honored the memory of fallen heroes by laying flowers at the Wall of Remembrance for fallen Defenders of Ukraine in the Russo-Ukrainian War on Mykhailivska Square.
