Zelenskyy approves decision to establish Naval Academy in Odesa

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced on the eve of Ukrainian Navy Day, which falls on 5 July this year, that a Naval Forces Academy is to be established in Odesa.

Source: Zelenskyy in a statement during a visit to Odesa

Quote: "And today, on the occasion of this year's Ukrainian Navy Day – and as a sign of respect and gratitude to our Naval Forces – I have made a decision for the future of Ukraine's Naval Forces and for the future of our Odesa. The decision to establish our own strong new Naval Academy in Odesa.

I know this is something our Naval Forces need. We have the capacity to make it happen, and, most importantly, our cadets and our young people have the desire to serve Ukraine and defend Ukraine. We will definitely accomplish all our tasks."

Details: Zelenskyy also honoured the service members who are defending Ukraine as part of the Naval Forces, and presented a battle flag and ribbons "For Courage and Bravery" to Naval Forces units.

Quote: "Together with the other branches of Ukraine's Defence and Security Forces, the Ukrainian Navy has achieved what many believed was impossible.

Russia has lost the Black Sea. Beginning with the liberation of Zmiinyi [Snake] Island and continuing through our operations against the Russian fleet, ports, and the occupying forces in our Crimea, we keep proving that this region – the Black Sea region and the Sea of Azov region – will never be a place of peace and quiet for Russia."

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