On October 1, Kyiv hosted festivities on the occasion of the Day of Defenders of Ukraine with the participation of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The event brought together Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, heads of the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine, and foreign ambassadors.

“951 days of the battle for the state. For 951 days, you have been writing history on the battlefield. You sacrifice yourselves in order not to sacrifice Ukraine. Both those who were born a warrior and those who became one. Who changed their lives so that our freedom would remain unchanged. Who had a different profession but refused to live under another flag. Who said to themselves: I have no other choice, for this is my Homeland, this is my Ukraine, and I will defend it,” the President addressed the Ukrainian military.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted that Ukraine will always be grateful to its defenders who defended its independence, preserved its freedom and the opportunity to live, develop, and think about the future.

“Let us remember who made Ukraine free. Thanks to whom Ukraine has been and will be. Today, let us once again thank every soldier who defends our country. To everyone who gave their lives for a strong and prosperous Ukraine. Your bravery and heroism will always be remembered in history,” emphasized Denys Shmyhal.

The audience observed a minute of silence in memory of all those who defended Ukraine at the cost of their lives.