Volodymyr Zelensky: Ukrainian police can be professional, can save from evil, return justice
This was stated by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during the celebrations for the National Police Day.
“A time of full-scale war shows the true meaning and power of many things, and one of those things is service to the state. In spite of everything to protect the state, in spite of everything to protect the people, in spite of everything to take care of security on the streets of our cities and villages. Despite everything, they were among the first to go to the liberated areas and provide an opportunity for the return of normal life after the occupation. I am grateful for the effective work of the National Police of Ukraine and for your service to the state,” Volodymyr Zelensky said, addressing police officers.
The President expressed his gratitude to every hero in the ranks of the Ukrainian police who participate in hostilities together with other soldiers of the defense and security forces of Ukraine, everyone who participates in stabilization measures and provides security in the de-occupied territory of Ukraine, as well as all police officers who help Russian citizens, save lives after blows.
“I want to thank all the explosives engineers of our police, whose service is special — saving people from those manifestations of Russian evil that could work against life years later. Thank you for every Russian evil that you neutralized — for every demining,” the Head of State stressed.
In addition, Volodymyr Zelensky thanked all investigators of the National Police of Ukraine who investigate criminal offenses, including war crimes. According to him, more than 84 thousand such criminal proceedings have already been initiated, and there are 1838 reports of suspicion. In addition, the efforts of the National Police of Ukraine created a special database “War Criminal”, to which more than 200 thousand records of Russian mercenaries and military were entered.
“Establishing the full truth about the occupiers' crimes on our independent Ukrainian land is a fundamental prerequisite for holding Russia itself fully accountable for aggression and terror. We must do everything for justice, and I am grateful to those of you who bring this day closer, this time is a time of justice,” the President said.
The head of state noted that during the full-scale invasion of Russia 507 police officers were awarded state awards, 84 of them posthumously. The title of Hero of Ukraine was awarded to two policemen, one of them posthumously.
The participants observed with a moment of silence the memory of all Ukrainian police officers who died in the war for freedom and independence of Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the police officers who serve and protect our people from dangers inside the country.
“Here their front is order and security on the streets of every city, every village and community. We must know that all these people also give their lives and they are the same heroes. They give everything they have for the sake of our country. Therefore, I want to thank all of you and congratulate you on your day, which is very important for all of us,” he said.
The President emphasized that people expect from the National Police of Ukraine an order that has several components: legality, justice, timeliness of assistance, humanity in attitude, understanding the emotions of those who turn for help to the police or to whom the police turn.
“When people see the police, they always see the state. You are our face. Ukrainian police know how to be professional, able to save from evil, know how to return justice. And I wish all of you to always be just that — always able to guarantee Ukraine and Ukrainians order, security, and Ukrainians will definitely always be grateful for this. We care about Ukraine, our state, all our people!” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
After the end of the speech, the President presented the state awards of Ukraine: 10 policemen received the Order “For Courage” of the 3rd degree.
Office of the President of Ukraine
