Oleksandr Turchynov referring to the operational battalion of the National Guard of Ukraine n.a. Kulchytsky: You became the best
The operational battalion of the National Guard of Ukraine named after the Hero of Ukraine major-general Serhii Kulchytsky deservedly received its own award - the nominal standard.
This was stated by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov at the end of the solemn ceremony, during which President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko awarded the operational battalion of the National Guard of Ukraine n.a. the Hero of Ukraine major-general Serhii Kulchytsky with a standard and which took place today in Kyiv.
During his speech, President of Ukraine informed that by his Decree he named the operational battalion (reserve battalion) of the 27th brigade of the North operative-territorial unit of the National Guard after the Hero of Ukraine major-general Serhii Kulchytsky.
Mr. Turchynov reminded that in early March 2014, 570 volunteers of the Maidan Self-defense decided to join the newly established National Guard of Ukraine. "Without waiting for the mobilization, which still had to be prepared, you became the volunteers of the newly created National Guard, having passed the Revolution of Dignity from beginning to end", - Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine underscored.
"At the proving ground in New Petrivtsi, under the direction of Sergii Petrovich Kulchytsky, the volunteers passed military training and already on April 5th, the first operational reserve battalion of the NGU took the Oath of allegiance to the Ukrainian people", - Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine said.
Oleksandr Turchynov reminded that the combat route of the battalion passed through Slovyansk, Red Lyman, Debaltseve, Myronivske, Stanytsia Luhanska, Bakhmut, Popasna, Vuhlehirsk, Marinka, Avdiivka and other hotspots. "And you have proved to the whole world that Ukraine is a strong state able to defend itself from external incursions of the imperial aggressor", - he said adding that 25 soldiers gave their lives for freedom and independence of their state, over 100 - were injured.
Those present honored the memory of the guards and the Hero of Ukraine major-general Serhii Kulchytsky who sacrificed their lives for independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine in fierce battles. 400 soldiers of the battalion received state awards and distinctions for their bravery, courage, heroism, and loyalty to Ukraine.
Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine expressed his conviction that the soldiers of the battalion would further demonstrate high patriotism, courage and unconditional devotion to their country professionally protecting it from the enemy. "You were the first when the powerful and fierce enemy unleashed a war against our country. You were the first and became the best. Ukraine is proud of you", - Mr. Turchynov stated.