Congratulation by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman on the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Fellow Ukrainian citizens!

On behalf of the Government and me personally, I congratulate You on the Day the Armed Forces of Ukraine!

Service in the Armed Forces today is one of the most honorable branch of activities in our society. Ukrainian soldiers who at the cost of their lives defend Ukraine in Donbass and on the sea are true heroes for all of us. Nobody doubts that the Armed Forces are a guarantee of our state independence and a pledge of the security of our country from external challenges.

Therefore, the Government continues modernization of the Armed Forces and bringing them in line with NATO standards. The fact that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are among the ten strongest armies in Europe and the 30 strongest armies in the world shows that we are moving in the right direction. We need to enshrine in the Constitution the course towards the membership in  NATO, which will guarantee further modernization of the Ukrainian army and increase of all indicators of the country's development (from social to economic) in accordance with the requirements of the Alliance.

The issues pertaining to equipping the army, material support, and most importantly,  social protection of military personnel are of unparalleled importance. Our duty is to provide servicemen with proper service conditions and decent remuneration. From the beginning of 2019, serviceman will receive not less than 10 thousand hryvnias. I would like to emphasize that the Government pays considerable attention to this issue, therefore financing of the army and our soldiers will remain one of the overriding priorities of state policy.

I express my immense gratitude to all soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for brave performance of military duty and protection of the Motherland, high motivation and fidelity to their oath. I wish all soldiers sound health, good fortune and safe journey home!

Glory to Ukraine!

Glory to the Heroes!

 Prime Minister of Ukraine                                                           Volodymyr GROYSMAN