Celebrating the Ground Forces of Ukraine: A Day of Honor

On December 12, Ukraine celebrates Ground Forces Day.

This holiday was established by the President of Ukraine on October 18, 1997, to honor the contributions of the Ground Forces in safeguarding the nation.

On this day, we pay tribute to mechanized, tank, and missile troops, artillery, army aviation, air defense units, and special forces.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, emphasized that these forces hold the frontline in Ukraine's defense.

“The Ground Forces are a force that unites mechanized and tank units, artillery, missiles, army aviation, and air defense, as well as drones and special units. Today, this is an army of a new standard that stands strong for Ukraine,” Syrskyi stated on Facebook.

He noted that at the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion, the ground forces became the first shield against the aggressor's army.

“Ukrainian infantry defended Kyiv, pushed the invaders back in the Slobozhansky offensive, liberated the right bank of Kherson, and fought the enemy in Bakhmut. The Ground Forces are at the forefront of Ukraine's defense. Fortifications are important, but they mean nothing without Ukrainian infantry,” Syrskyi emphasized.

He highlighted that the Ground Forces are undergoing unprecedented transformation right on the battlefield.

“Drones, combat modules, modern electronic warfare systems, and mobile assault groups are the new daily reality of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I am proud to be the commander of the Ground Forces, and I am honored to lead the strongest land army in Europe,” Syrskyi remarked.

He added that on this day, we honor every brother and sister in arms – the soldiers of the Ground Forces of Ukraine who laid down their lives for the freedom and independence of Ukraine against Russian aggressors. Eternal memory and glory to the Heroes.

“Thank you to every soldier of the Ground Forces for serving the Ukrainian people, for their resilience and faith in our victory. For holding our land,” Syrskyi noted.

***

Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal stated on Telegram that this day is for those who bravely repel Russian assaults across all fronts and steadfastly hold the lines amid enemy bombardments.

“For Ukraine! For its freedom!” Under this motto, the soldiers of the Ground Forces destroy the enemy daily, making them pay a high price for their aggression against our state,” Shmyhal emphasized.

He thanked every defender for their diligence and courage in fulfilling their military duty. “Eternal memory to those who returned home on their shields,” Shmyhal added.

“Glory to the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine! Glory to the Ukrainian army!” Shmyhal concluded.