Zelenskyy on Day of Defenders: Ukraine survived all invaders, it will withstand current Russian aggression – video

On the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasised that Ukraine exists on this planet thanks to the merits of its people, has survived dozens of attempts at conquest and will withstand the current Russian aggression.

Source: Zelenskyy at a cadet oath ceremony and award presentation, cited by Interfax-Ukraine

Quote from President Zelenskyy: "Today is your day, the day of millions who dedicate their lives to Ukraine. A day when Ukrainians honour their defenders. A day when we remember fallen soldiers. A day when Ukrainians pray for the protection of the Holy Mother over our state. Ukraine exists on this land. And this is not a gift, not a coincidence, not someone's mercy or a decision from the past, but the merit of our people."

Details: Zelenskyy noted that Ukrainians have withstood dozens of attempts to conquer their country and centuries of propaganda claiming that it could not sustain an independent national life.

"But every attempt to subjugate Ukraine only ended with its revival. Every attempt to erase Ukraine and Ukrainians ended with hostile empires collapsing. Ukraine has survived not just one person who tried to destroy our people: Ukraine has survived all of those who wished it harm. Ukraine will stand now against Russia, and without a doubt, it will endure," he stressed.

The president added that he had signed decrees awarding state honours to more than 1,600 Ukrainians from the Armed Forces, National Guard, intelligence, Security Service, border guards, the combat National Police, communications troops and rescue services.

For reference: The Day of Defenders is a Ukrainian national holiday observed annually on 1 October, on the day of the Protection of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. It was established on 14 October 2014, by a presidential decree under the name Defender of Ukraine Day. In August 2021, the holiday was renamed to ensure gender equality (the full name is Defenders and Defendresses Day).

Due to the church calendar reform, the celebration in Ukraine has been moved from 14 October to 1 October starting in 2023.

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