Translated with AI
On December 6, Ukraine celebrates Armed Forces Day, a holiday that in recent years has evolved from a formal date into a symbol of national resilience.
This isn't just a day on the calendar. It's a day for the people who literally carry the country on their shoulders. Since 2014, and especially since 2022, Ukraine has been living under Russian aggression.
Millions of people experienced loss, anxiety, and uncertainty. But it was during these years that a new Ukrainian army was born—not on paper, but in fire, mud, in cold trenches, in basements under fire, and on evacuation roads. These are not abstract "forces." These are living people. This is their day.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine were created in 1991, but the real turning point came in 2014. When Ukrainian soldiers, volunteers, medics, and ordinary citizens first encountered the possibility of their country being taken by force. Since then, the army has changed beyond recognition.
But the main thing is that people have changed.
They began to mature faster than time allowed. After 2022, Ukrainian soldiers will stand on the front lines not only with weapons, but also with the understanding that if they retreat, there will be no one to retreat to.
Every day is a survival test. Today, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are millions of stories: – a young drone operator who didn't live to see 21; – a military nurse who pulled more people out of harm's way than she can remember their names; – a father who returned from a rotation only to leave again because his unit lost two soldiers; – an engineer who yesterday repaired cell phones and today assembles combat drones.
The army has become the nervous system of the country.
Her pain is felt by every Ukrainian, even those far abroad. Her successes inspire, her losses hurt.
For the countries of Central Asia, the events in Ukraine are not something distant.
They remind us of something fundamental: peace is fragile, freedom is vulnerable, the state is imperfect – and they need to be protected.
Ukraine has become an example of how even a country that was predicted to collapse in three days can fight for years.
Can hold on when it seems impossible. Can maintain unity when the enemy is counting on division.
This is a lesson about dignity and strength.
The Ukrainian army today is one of the most experienced in Europe.
It interacts with dozens of countries, receives assistance, trains new generations of fighters, and introduces innovations that are then studied throughout the world.
But behind every element of defense are people for whom one thing is important: not to let their country disappear. December 6th is not a festive holiday in Ukraine. There are no solemn marches. No loud bravado.
It's a quiet day of gratitude. A day when the main words "dyakuyemo za zakhist" (thank you for protecting us) are heard throughout the country.
These are the words of mothers waiting for their sons; children drawing hearts for soldiers at checkpoints; people who believe that light will conquer darkness. Armed Forces Day of Ukraine is a day of steadfastness.
A day that says, "We stand. And we will stand." For Ukraine, this day is a reminder of the price of freedom. For the world, it is a reminder that the right to independence must be defended, even when it is incredibly difficult.
For people who have experienced war, like in Tajikistan, this is especially clear: the pain of war strengthens those who believe in peace. Glory to Ukraine and its Armed Forces!
Valery Evdokimov
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Tajikistan
