Volodymyr Zelensky: The National Guard has become indispensable in the fight against Russian aggression on the front line and in maintaining security in the rear
This was emphasized by the President of Ukraine on March 26, 2024 during official events on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the creation of the National Guard and the graduation of officers of the National Academy and Kyiv Institute of NGU.
There was a graduation of 385 officers, including 312 graduates of the National Academy of NGU and 73 graduates of the Kyiv Institute of NGU. 12 officers graduated from universities with a gold medal, 245 have the status of combatants.
“Ten years, as the word “national guard” means pride and strength, a necessary result in battle and reliability for the state of Ukraine. At the beginning, in the 14th year, the word “national guard” began with the meaning of “volunteer”. Now it is also preserved. And every year it adds another value to our National Guard of Ukraine, namely, irreplaceable,” the Head of State stressed.
He noted that the National Guardsmen, along with other soldiers of the Defense and Security Forces, are taking part in battles against Russia, fighting hard and bravely. In particular, the Air Intelligence units of the National Guard are extremely effective in terms of the number of destroyed Russian equipment and enemy soldiers. More than 500 mobile and stationary fire groups of the NGU destroy Russian missiles and drones every day. And the sappers of the National Guard are clearing Ukrainian land of Russian mines.
“I am grateful to all the soldiers and commanders who serve the Ukrainian people and the state. Ukrainian history will always remember the heroic pages written by the soldiers of units of the National Guard of Ukraine, during the defense of Ukraine in 2014 and against the Russian invasion in 2022. Defense of Kharkiv, defense of Kyiv region, fighting against Russian terrorists in 2014 in Donbas and protection of life in Donbas now,” Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Also at the events were attended by the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Igor Klymenko, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, the commander of the National Guard of Ukraine, Brigadier General Oleksandr Pivnenko, the head of the State Border Service of Ukraine Serhiy Deineko and the acting head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine Andriy Danyk. The participants jointly honored with a minute of silence the memory of the soldiers of the National Guard and all the defenders who gave their lives in the battles for the independence of Ukraine.
“Ukraine will always remember all its people who fought and gave their lives for our independence, the future for the Ukrainian people,” the President said.
Also, during the celebrations, President Volodymyr Zelensky presented the servicemen of the National Guard of Ukraine with state awards.
In particular, the Order of the Golden Star from the hands of the Head of State was received by the Hero of Ukraine Captain Arthur Pruglov, who repeatedly showed courage and professionalism in organizing assaults and breaking through enemy defenses. Colonel Dmitry Vlasenko received the “Golden Star” of the Hero of Ukraine. Thanks to its combat skills and professional leadership, the NGU unit successfully performed combat missions and continues to maintain defense in the most difficult areas of the front.
The President awarded the National Guardsmen the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky II and III degrees, “For Courage” of the II and III degrees. In order to celebrate the high professionalism, combat merits, courage and courage of the personnel, the Head of State awarded honorary names and presented combat flags to military units of the NGU. Volodymyr Zelensky presented combat flags to the 13th Brigade of Operational Assignment of NGU, the Special Purpose Center and the International Center of NGU.
The President also awarded the Eastern Territorial Administration of the National Guard of Ukraine the honorary name “Kharkivske”.
The ribbon “For Courage and Courage” was received by the 1st Presidential Operational Brigade named after Hetman Petro Doroshenko and the 12th Special Purpose Brigade named after Dmytro Vishnevetsky of the National Guard of Ukraine.
“Dear our Heroes, Ukraine thanks you, Ukraine is proud of you. We rely on your bravery, we are confident in your strength. I congratulate you on the 10th anniversary of the creation of the National Guard of Ukraine and wish you always to achieve glory and victories for Ukraine, for all of us, for each and every one. Glory to Ukraine!”, — said President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
