Day of AFU: Zelensky, Zaluzhny, Umerov congratulate Ukrainian military

Today, December 6, Ukrainians celebrate the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov congratulated the defenders on their professional holiday.

Zelensky: The Armed Forces are the creators of justice

The President recorded a greeting for the military from the center of Kyiv, walking the streets and greeting pedestrians.

"It's a little cold outside, but it's warm in my heart. And it's slippery, but I know we will get there. In every sense. Because I know that we are actually walking together. It was hard, but we survived. Now it is not easy, but we are moving. No matter how difficult it is, we will get there. To our borders, to our people. To our peace. A just peace. A free world. Against all odds. Together with you. And thanks to you, our people, our Armed Forces of Ukraine," the head of state said.

Zelensky expressed gratitude to our soldiers and called on Ukrainians to honor the memory of the fallen heroes.

The President also jokingly mentioned St. Nicholas, congratulating Ukrainian defenders.

"And let us remember: St. Nicholas the Wonderworker will come to those who behaved well. And to those who behaved badly, the Armed Forces will come. The creators of justice," Zelensky added.

Zaluzhny: Ukraine does not surrender only due to the Armed Forces

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine thanked all soldiers, sergeants and officers for fighting against Russia.

"I bow my head before your feat! To every soldier, sergeant and officer. Especially to those who today, in the fire of battles and under fire, in cold frozen trenches and ruins, are holding the line and destroying the insidious enemy," Zaluzhny said in his address.

He emphasized that the Defense Forces stand for the future of Ukrainian children, so "they fight without the right to defeat."

"I am proud of everyone who is in the Armed Forces of Ukraine today. Ukraine does not give up - thanks to you. And thanks to you, I am convinced over and over again that no matter how hard it is, we will definitely not be ashamed," Zaluzhny emphasized.

Umerov: Ukrainian Armed Forces have become a symbol of invincibility for the whole world

The Defense Minister thanked the Armed Forces of Ukraine for their courage and honor in the fight against the Russian aggressor.

"You are moving forward, sweeping away the enemy and leading us. You have become a symbol of military valor and invincibility for the whole world!" Rustem Umerov said.

He added that the assault cry of Ukrainian soldiers "This is our landing" is already being shouted by children when they play in the yards.

"Your cry goes before you. This is the last thing the enemy hears before you liberate Ukrainian lands," Umerov emphasized.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 06/12/2023