Translated with AI
On October 1, Ukraine celebrates one of the most significant and profound national holidays – the Day of Defenders of Ukraine. This
The day, which coincides with the church holiday of the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God and Ukrainian Cossack Day, is not just a tribute to the military, but also a powerful symbol of national unity, historical memory, and an unwavering will to freedom.
The choice of date is not accidental. For centuries, the Protection of the Holy Mother of God was especially revered as the patroness of the Ukrainian army: from
princely squads to the Zaporozhian Cossacks and soldiers of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA).
The establishment of this holiday in 2014 in response to Russian aggression was a recognition that the protection of sovereignty and
territorial integrity is the historical mission of the Ukrainian people.
Since 2021, the holiday has officially been called the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, emphasizing the role of women in the country's defense.
Female soldiers, medics, volunteers, and signalers demonstrate outstanding courage and professionalism on par with their men, continuing the centuries-old tradition of strong Ukrainian women.
The most outstanding achievement of Ukrainian defenders in the current war for the independence of Ukraine is the preservation
statehood in the face of full-scale aggression. The aggressor's multiple superiority was offset by the unity of the Ukrainian people and a series of brilliant strategic and tactical victories that demonstrated the high professionalism and adaptability of the Forces.
defense of Ukraine.
Three and a half years of full-scale war have become tragic but important pages in Ukraine's recent history. We have much to be proud of.
Failure of the Blitzkrieg and the Defense of the Capital
A key victory was the expulsion of the enemy from the Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy regions in March-April 2022. The successful defense of the capital became a turning point in the war.
Thanks to the heroism of the soldiers, the skillful use of the terrain and the active resistance of the territorial defense, the bridges were destroyed,
The advance of the columns was slowed, the landing of troops in Gostomel was prevented, and critical losses were inflicted on the advancing forces.
This forced the aggressor to completely abandon its plans for a quick capture of Kyiv and redeploy its forces to the south and east. The occupiers were unable to do so.
take not a single large city in the north of the country.
The Battle of Kharkov and the Lightning Counteroffensive
The beginning of the war was also marked by the successful defense of Kharkov, which, despite constant shelling, was not surrendered. Later, in September
In 2022, one of the most significant achievements took place – the lightning-fast Kharkiv counteroffensive operation. Ukrainian
The troops, using the element of surprise, broke through the defenses and in a matter of days liberated thousands of square kilometers of territory, including such
strategically important cities such as Balakleya, Izyum, and Kupyansk. This operation demonstrated the Ukrainian Armed Forces' ability to conduct
complex and large-scale offensive actions.
Liberation of Kherson and success in the south
The liberation of Kherson in November 2022 was a strategic victory of enormous moral and political significance. It was
the only regional center that the occupiers were able to capture after February 24.
Success was preceded by long and painstaking actions: the destruction of logistics routes (in particular, the Antonovsky Bridge), exhaustion
The enemy's offensive and skillful maneuvering ultimately led to the voluntary retreat of the occupation forces from the right bank of the Dnieper. The recapture of Kherson demonstrated the effectiveness of the Ukrainian pressure strategy.
"Liberation" of the Black Sea
The successes of the Ukrainian Navy occupy a special place. In February-March 2022, Russian ships plied coastal waters.
The Odessans, shelling the coast, were preparing for the landing of troops.
But, thanks to bold and precise strikes, Ukrainian defenders were able to significantly reduce the enemy's dominance in the western part of the Black Sea.
Of particular significance was the destruction of the flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, the cruiser Moskva, by Ukrainian Neptune missiles, as well as
the liberation of Snake Island – both were critical to control of the northwestern part of the sea.
Overall, the actions of the Ukrainian Navy, combined with the effective use of drones and missiles, allowed for a reduction in combat strength by a third.
enemy fleet, drive it away from the Ukrainian coast and even push most of it out of occupied Crimea, which made it possible
the creation and operation of a safe "grain corridor" and the resumption of maritime communications in Ukraine.
Unrivaled Unity of the Army and the People
All these achievements would not have been possible without the unprecedented support of civil society. The volunteer movement in Ukraine has become
phenomenon, providing additional support to the army – from vehicles and drones to thermal imaging and medical equipment.
And, of course, we are grateful to our international partners for their assistance, without which the courage of our defenders would not have been so effective.
Recognition and Memory
Defenders of Ukraine Day is a time of deep gratitude and sorrow. We honor the memory of those who gave their lives for
freedom, those who were wounded, and those who continue their difficult but noble work on the front lines. Their sacrifice and heroism are forever imprinted in
history of the country.
Today, when Ukrainian soldiers remain on the front lines of the fight for the future of their children and civilizational values, this holiday
is taking on global significance. It is a reminder that freedom has its price, and that a nation that has such defenders and
defenders, cannot be defeated.
Glory to the defenders of Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine!
Valery Evdokimov
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine
in the Republic of Tajikistan
