On Saturday, December 6th, it was the Ukrainian Armed Forces Day, and President Zelensky delivered a speech praising the bravery and fearlessness shown by Ukrainian soldiers in the Russo-Ukrainian War. He also visited wounded soldiers in the hospital.
Zelensky also posthumously awarded medals to the families of fallen officers and soldiers, and presented medals to current male and female service members.
“December 6th is a great day – a day dedicated to those who wield weapons and demonstrate the strength of Ukraine: Ukrainian Armed Forces Day,” he said.
The President recalled the heroic deeds of those who sacrificed themselves for the country on the battlefield.
“We will always remember and respect our soldiers; respect their principles, qualities, will, strength, and perseverance; respect all their best virtues. Every painting, every color, every stroke carries these stories,” he said.
“‘Hold on. You are everything to us!’ These were the words I said to our soldiers on the first day of the war. And you indeed held on. When almost no one believed in Ukraine, when they said to us: you can’t last a week, you have no chance of winning, you have no choice but to surrender – you stood firm. You persevered, you held on. It is because of this that Ukraine still stands strong,” he said.
Zelensky also attended the Second Military Prayer Breakfast in Ukrainian history and delivered a speech to the attendees.
He posted photos of the prayer breakfast on X platform and said, “Today is a special day for us, with a double meaning. Today is the Ukrainian Armed Forces Day, as well as St. Nicholas Day, a holiday celebrated on December 6th by Christians in many countries in Europe and around the world. We will stand united, defending our right to exist, defending the land God has given us; we will defend our future and a just peace.”
On Saturday, Zelensky also visited a medical facility in the capital, Kyiv, where he visited wounded soldiers and spoke with those undergoing treatment for serious arm and leg injuries.
“I appreciate the service of these defenders and everything they have sacrificed for the country. I awarded them the National Medal. I also salute our medical personnel, who work every day to save the lives of soldiers, helping them recover from the most severe injuries. Thank you for giving the soldiers strength. Thank you for saving every life,” Zelensky said.